Evaëlle Case: Pontoise Prosecutor Appeals Acquittal of Teacher Accused of Bullying

Four days after the acquittal of Pascale B., a former French teacher accused of morally harassing three students, including 11-year-old Evaëlle who died by suicide in June 2019 in Herblay (Val-d’Oise), the Pontoise public prosecutor’s office announced on Monday, April 14, that it was appealing the ruling.

The 62-year-old teacher had been cleared by the criminal court, which concluded that the “intentional element of the offense” had not been established. The verdict stunned the family of the young girl. Outside the courtroom, Evaëlle’s mother, visibly shaken, denounced what she called a justice system “in complete collusion with the national education system,” insisting that “the mistreatment cannot be denied.”

A Painful Case, a Contested Ruling

The prosecutor had initially requested an 18-month suspended prison sentence. Under French law, only the prosecution may appeal a criminal ruling—civil parties can only challenge compensation. The appeal, confirmed by the family’s lawyer, Delphine Millet, was described as necessary following what she called an “unacceptable” judgment.

During her trial, Pascale B. recounted the five years she spent under judicial supervision. Barred from teaching minors and required to undergo treatment, she later described the period as “six years of mere survival” and spoke of her “relief” after the verdict. It was also revealed that she had received death threats shortly before the court’s decision.

A Disturbing Episode Highlighted by the Family

For Evaëlle’s parents, a particular incident during the 2018–2019 school year symbolized the moral pressure their daughter endured. During a class session dedicated to bullying awareness, the teacher allegedly had students voice their complaints about Evaëlle, who was then instructed to respond. According to several students, she broke into tears, and the teacher, rather than showing compassion, pressed her to answer.

This heartbreaking case has stirred national debate over the school system’s response to bullying. With the appeal now in motion, the legal process continues, and Evaëlle’s family holds onto their hope for justice and recognition of their daughter’s suffering.