Supporters of Pedro Castillo, the ousted president of Peru, protest in front of police in downtown Lima on Friday, Dec. 16, 2022. Two government ministers resigned after the new president, Dina Boluarte, deployed the military to crack down on the demonstrations that have convulsed the country. (Marco Garro/The New York Times)
A police officer in Benin appeared before the Court for the Repression of Economic Offenses and Terrorism (CRIET) on August 7, 2025, facing charges related to abuse of office in a sexual assault case.
The prosecution alleges that the officer facilitated the release of a suspect in exchange for 300,000 CFA francs—a payment not recorded in official documents.
The case stems from an incident in April 2025, when the complainant alleges she was assaulted following a beach outing and a subsequent hotel stay. Police quickly apprehended the suspect, but rather than following proper legal procedures, he was released, later summoned, and then disappeared.
Investigations have implicated the police officer for allegedly enabling the suspect’s escape in return for a bribe.
The absence of any official record documenting the payment further strengthens the corruption allegations against the officer.
Given the gravity of the accusations, CRIET has postponed the case until November 6, 2025, to allow for further examination and proceedings.
This case has drawn significant public attention, highlighting ongoing concerns about corruption and abuse within law enforcement institutions in Benin. The proceedings will be closely watched as the judiciary seeks to uphold accountability in sensitive cases involving public officials and sexual violence.
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