French Polynesia court to decide on release of sex offenders

6:15 am on 21 September 2019

The appeal court in French Polynesia will decide next week whether to release three sex offenders pending their appeal in January.

Symbol of law and justice in the empty courtroom, law and justice concept, court

Photo: ikiryo/123RF

Three of the ten people convicted for up to seven years in prison three weeks ago want to be freed now.

They were jailed over a racket with child prostitution and drug dealing.

A former teacher Sabine Boiron was identified as the central figure in procuring children who were given methamphetamine.

Local television said she asked for clemency to be with her child.

Her former partner, who was in the real estate business, Thierry Barbion was imprisoned for four years after the court concluded that he gave her money to get access to minors.

A former nightclub manager Marc Ramel was also given a four-year prison term for having sex with a 13-year-old girl in exchange for drugs.

The president of the court likened the offending to modern day slavery and gave harsher sentences than requested by the prosecution.

Women's groups have called on the court to stay firm and uphold the sentences.

Reports say there is concern pressure could be applied to the victims.