France : Aziza, a mother attacked over her veil

On November 25 in Gardanne, Aziza H., 43, was violently assaulted by two women because of her veil. Racist insults and physical violence marked this episode, which she recounts to France 3 Provence-Alpes.

While on her way to her physiotherapist, Aziza was followed by two women in their forties. Very quickly, the insults began: «Look at the veiled one strutting around», and «We should kill her like the Palestinians», she reportedly heard. Confronting these remarks, Aziza tried to respond: «I turned around to tell them they had no right to talk to me like that», she explained. The two women then began chasing her.

Frightened, Aziza took a secluded path, but her attackers caught up with her. «They held me down to hit me. My veil and my hair were torn off. They insulted me with ‘dirty race,’» she recounted. Lying on the ground, she said she heard death threats: «They were saying, ‘We have to finish her.’» She also reported being strangled.

The assault ended when the two women were startled by a noise. Injured and in shock, Aziza managed to get home before a friend took her to the emergency room. Medical evaluations revealed a hematoma on her wrist, rib fractures, abrasions on her neck and legs, and facial bruises. She was prescribed five days of temporary work incapacity (ITT).

Despite the trauma, Aziza remains resolute: «Giving up would be proving them right.» However, she admits to psychological difficulties: «I want to stay at home, but I have four children. I am angry. I told myself that I should have defended myself.»

A complaint has been filed, and the victim's family is seeking witnesses to the attack. This incident highlights a worrying trend: according to the Ministry of the Interior, racist crimes and offenses increased by 32% in France in 2023.