Trial in France Uncovers Alleged Abuse in Teen's Death
Mother on Trial for Allegedly Starving Daughter, Witnesses Describe Household Conditions
In Montpellier, France, the ongoing trial of Sandrine Pissarra has brought to light disturbing allegations surrounding the death of her teenage daughter, Amandine.
The court proceedings, which began earlier this week, center on charges of 'acts of torture or barbarity resulting in death without intent to kill.' Pissarra, 54, is accused of intentionally starving 13-year-old Amandine, who succumbed to cardiac arrest on August 6, 2020, weighing only 28 kilograms and measuring 1.55 meters tall at the time of her death.
Throughout the trial, Pissarra has denied depriving her daughter of food.
On the second day of the proceedings, the presiding judge, Éric Emmanuelidis, presented photographic evidence showing the stark physical condition of Amandine at the time of her death, juxtaposed with earlier images of the girl.
The court observed the physical deterioration depicted in the images, including facial and dental injuries, while Pissarra remained largely unresponsive.
Cassandra, one of Amandine's siblings, testified about the household environment, describing it as fraught with violence and deprivation.
As one of eight siblings, Cassandra recounted routine physical punishments and neglect experienced during childhood, further claiming that social services were alerted but that their mother instructed them to conceal the situation.
The case has attracted significant attention as it unveils troubling insights into alleged domestic abuse and systemic neglect, with the verdict expected by the end of the week.
Pissarra faces a potential life sentence if found guilty.
The court proceedings, which began earlier this week, center on charges of 'acts of torture or barbarity resulting in death without intent to kill.' Pissarra, 54, is accused of intentionally starving 13-year-old Amandine, who succumbed to cardiac arrest on August 6, 2020, weighing only 28 kilograms and measuring 1.55 meters tall at the time of her death.
Throughout the trial, Pissarra has denied depriving her daughter of food.
On the second day of the proceedings, the presiding judge, Éric Emmanuelidis, presented photographic evidence showing the stark physical condition of Amandine at the time of her death, juxtaposed with earlier images of the girl.
The court observed the physical deterioration depicted in the images, including facial and dental injuries, while Pissarra remained largely unresponsive.
Cassandra, one of Amandine's siblings, testified about the household environment, describing it as fraught with violence and deprivation.
As one of eight siblings, Cassandra recounted routine physical punishments and neglect experienced during childhood, further claiming that social services were alerted but that their mother instructed them to conceal the situation.
The case has attracted significant attention as it unveils troubling insights into alleged domestic abuse and systemic neglect, with the verdict expected by the end of the week.
Pissarra faces a potential life sentence if found guilty.
