French Court Declares Incompetence in Bastien Vivès Child Pornography Case
The Nanterre tribunal dismisses charges against the prominent comic book author due to territorial jurisdiction.
On May 27, 2025, the correctional tribunal of Nanterre ruled that it was territorially incompetent to adjudicate the case against Bastien Vivès, a notable French comic book author, who faced charges linked to illustrations published in 2018 across two comic volumes.
Following the court's decision, Vivès expressed visible emotion, remarking on his relief while addressing the media outside the courtroom.
He underscored the surreal nature of his situation, citing France's historical trauma stemming from the Charlie Hebdo attack and advocating for creative freedom.
The trial, positioned as a significant event, concluded after a single morning session without any evidence of child victims presented in the courtroom, as only empty chairs were observed in that regard.
The case has drawn attention to broader discussions about artistic expression and legal boundaries in the context of sensitive themes such as child exploitation.
Following the court's decision, Vivès expressed visible emotion, remarking on his relief while addressing the media outside the courtroom.
He underscored the surreal nature of his situation, citing France's historical trauma stemming from the Charlie Hebdo attack and advocating for creative freedom.
The trial, positioned as a significant event, concluded after a single morning session without any evidence of child victims presented in the courtroom, as only empty chairs were observed in that regard.
The case has drawn attention to broader discussions about artistic expression and legal boundaries in the context of sensitive themes such as child exploitation.
