France Victimes is a federation that supports all French victims. Since 2003, it has been working jointly with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to assist, in particular, the families of French citizens who have gone missing abroad, like the relatives of Marie-Pierre Arfel and Françoise Boutteaux, two French tourists whose trail has gone cold on the Greek island of Sikinos. Jérôme Moreau, vice-president and spokesperson for the federation, discusses the possible procedures in case of disappearance.
What are the first steps for families facing the disappearance of a loved one abroad?
The first advice we give to families is to file a complaint both in France and abroad. This helps to create a “mirror file” to gain access to the investigation conducted by local authorities. The priority is also to help the relatives find a French-speaking lawyer. This lawyer can represent them and explain the procedures, which are often very different from French procedures.
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Then, the liaison magistrates, with whom we are in contact, facilitate the connection between the French embassy abroad and the relatives. Provided by the Ministry of Justice, they collaborate with ambassadors, consuls, and local authorities. Their mission is to facilitate international judicial diplomacy and keep families informed about the progress of the investigation. Of course, we also assess based on the specific needs of the relatives. We try to support them as much as possible by offering legal, psychological, and social assistance.
Do you collaborate with local organizations in foreign countries?
Yes, in Europe we work with Victim Support Europe (VSE), and we have contacts in the 27 EU member countries. So if there is a problem, we can directly mobilize our counterparts. This is the simplest because we have a well-organized and dense European network. There is also the European directive from 2012, which provides a minimum legal framework, particularly regarding information and support for victims who may have the right to a translator.
We also have associated members in countries like the United States or Australia. It becomes more complicated when victims are abroad in countries where we do not have liaison magistrates, which are only present in 52 countries. In countries where the rule of law does not exist or in dictatorships, it becomes a real obstacle course.
So you cannot intervene directly in investigations abroad?
No, indeed. The investigation remains under the purview of local and national authorities, and neither the Minister of the Interior nor the Minister of Justice can intervene directly. Nevertheless, it is important for France to hold foreign authorities accountable to inform the families of the victims. Investigation timelines can be lengthy, but it is essential that relatives are kept informed about the progress of the investigations.
What to do when families feel abandoned due to a lack of answers?
Unfortunately, investigations often take a long time. Even if silence and the absence of answers are distressing and frustrating, it is important to understand that France remains alongside the victims, no matter where the crime occurred. The relatives of victims must maintain contact with the institutions and keep their trust, even if answers come slowly. The victim’s timeline is not at all the same as that of justice.
So, we must primarily support them, because relatives cannot be left alone. This is where we can provide psychological assistance. The associations in our network, present locally, offer meetings with specialized psychologists to support families.