Ukrainian woman assaulted near the Eiffel Tower in Paris

Wednesday 27 August 2025 - 16:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Ukrainian woman assaulted near the Eiffel Tower in Paris

A 32-year-old Ukrainian woman was violently assaulted and raped near the Eiffel Tower in the early hours of August 26. The incident took place on the Champ-de-Mars, a popular area in Paris, when the victim, who was inebriated, was dragged into a bush by an intoxicated man claiming to be a 17-year-old from Libya. The suspect is in custody, and investigations are ongoing.

Assault on the Champ-de-Mars

The attack occurred around 2:40 a.m., according to police sources. The suspect reportedly "caressed her all over her body" before committing the rape, as detailed by Le Parisien. The woman’s cries for help alerted a nearby patrol from the Paris night anti-crime brigade, who intervened and apprehended the suspect on the scene.

The man, who did not possess any identification, claimed to be a 17-year-old Libyan national. However, his age and identity are still under verification as he remains in police custody. The victim, whose limited knowledge of French and state of intoxication have complicated the investigation, is expected to provide further testimony.

A site of recurring violence

The Champ-de-Mars has become a troubling hotspot for violent incidents. Last month, a tourist was robbed of a Richard Mille watch worth €190,000. In previous years, the area has seen cases of sexual violence, including the gang rape of a Mexican tourist last summer and the assault of two Latvian women. A year prior, an English police officer reported being raped in the same area.

This string of incidents has raised concerns about safety in one of Paris's most iconic landmarks. Authorities continue to face criticism for insufficient security measures in this high-traffic area.