A father in southwestern France has been jailed for threatening to behead his son's primary school teacher, a case that has sent shockwaves through a village and highlighted ongoing tensions surrounding educators.
Abdelkader B., 47, of Le Fauga, made the threat on September 4, 2026, after meeting with the school's principal regarding his son being labeled a "little bully." During a confrontation with the teacher, Abdelkader B. admitted he approached her after the meeting. He stated he "lost it" when the teacher's tone escalated and told her, "If you were a man, I would have cut your head off." He later added, "don't be surprised if tomorrow [my son] comes with a knife and stabs you," according to another teacher who overheard the remark.
The teacher, who has been granted official protection and is now on sick leave, reportedly felt she was "ending up like Samuel Paty," a teacher who was beheaded outside his school in 2020. Ms. Momasso Momasso, representing the victim, told local media that when Abdelkader B. made the remarks, "he knows the country's scars," and that such comments are "no longer tolerable in France in 2026."
Abdelkader B. apologized in court, stating he was "not proud" of his actions and insisted he was "not a violent person." He was sentenced to six months in prison. He has also been ordered to attend a citizenship course and is banned from contacting the school or approaching the victim for three years.
The incident led to a temporary refusal by the teacher's colleagues to enter the school the following Monday. A fast-track hearing was convened just six days after the events.
French Education Minister Edouard Geffray commented on the case, stating, "No teacher should be afraid to do their job. Attacking one of them is attacking the entire institution." In response to concerns for teacher safety, a new law spearheaded by the minister went into effect in July. This decree allows for students to be moved to different schools if their actions pose a significant risk to staff. It is anticipated that Abdelkader B.'s son and daughter will be transferred to a school outside of Le Fauga.