Asger Risom
Shocking testimonies reveal hazing, humiliation, and a climate of terror inside an elite military unit
For generations, elite military units have upheld a reputation for discipline, resilience, and unwavering loyalty.
But inside one of France’s most prestigious regiments, a different reality may have taken hold—one defined not by honor, but by cruelty.
A growing scandal is now shaking the French military, as former soldiers accuse their superiors of violence, psychological abuse, and deliberate attempts to drive them to suicide.
Soldiers Speak Out on “Systemic” Harassment
Four members of the 8th Parachute Regiment (RPIMA) based in Castres have filed formal complaints against the Ministry of the Armed Forces and around 15 officers. The accusations, made public on May 15 by Le Parisien and France 2, include moral harassment, violent hazing rituals, and sustained psychological pressure aimed at forcing recruits out.
Among them is Clovis Tritto, who served for over three years before going on sick leave. He described being subjected to degrading initiation rituals—such as being forced to ingest a drink laced with bodily fluids—and verbal abuse including threats of sabotage during training.
He recalled a superior saying, in quotes relayed by BFMTV:
“You’re shit… I’ll make sure you come last,
The testimonies outline an environment where humiliation was routine and brutality normalized. Fellow soldier Alexis Semedo reportedly attempted suicide after enduring relentless abuse. He was later beaten, suffering permanent ear damage. Another soldier recalled being called a “slave,” made to clean a sewage canal, and threatened with death by an officer who, as reported by L’Internaute, allegedly said:
“We’re doing everything to make him commit suicide… He’ll shoot himself in the head soon.
An Army Under Scrutiny
The Ministry of the Armed Forces has launched an internal investigation, promising “severe disciplinary sanctions” if the allegations are substantiated.
Lawyer Thibault Laforcade, who represents the plaintiffs, called them “extremely courageous young men” and emphasized their goal: not only justice, but a meaningful shift in military culture.
As the investigation unfolds, the case threatens to become a watershed moment for the French military, raising serious questions about command accountability, psychological safety, and the price of silence within the ranks.
