Marseille teen faces 'act of barbarism' charge for burning woman's face with flaming spray

A 15-year-old boy was brought before prosecutors in Marseille on Sunday, facing charges of "act of barbarism" for allegedly burning a 40-year-old woman's face with a flaming spray during a student protest. The attack occurred Thursday morning near Lycée Colbert, where the woman, a home care aide, intervened as a group tried to smash a bus shelter. The masked teen sprayed and ignited the substance at her face, with video circulating online. He was arrested Friday, confessed, and expressed deep regret. The suspect, a student in a personal care assistance program, was previously unknown to police. The victim, treated for facial burns, told BFMTV she was shocked by the deliberate targeting of her face, questioning the motive. Prosecutors have requested his pretrial detention.