Prosecuted for “corruption of minors” and “recording of child pornography images” Monday, January 24, Bruno Martini was given a one-year suspended prison sentence.
He was part of the legend of French handball. World champion 1995 and 2001, Bruno Martini was placed in police custody on Monday January 24 for “corruption of minors” and “recording of child pornography images”. He was referred to the Paris prosecutor’s office on Tuesday January 25 before being sentenced on Wednesday 26 to a suspended sentence of one year in prison. He also receives a fine of 2,500 euros and a five-year ban on practicing with minors.
On social networks, the Minister of Sports has shown concern about all the events of recent weeks (Bernard Laporte, Noël Le Graët), but welcomes the reaction of the authorities. “Like everyone this morning, I am deeply shocked by this information which the courts have taken up. The handball authorities quickly mobilized and met at 1 p.m. around an exceptional NHL steering committee, in the presence of the federation French handball, explained on Twitter the Minister of Sports Amélie Oudéa-Castéra. I have full confidence in the fact that they will take all the decisions that are necessary, both in terms of disciplinary sanctions and on the future of the governance. “
While the Handball League demanded his resignation, the latter “executed” on Wednesday January 25, as indicated in a press release. “Bruno Martini today presented his resignation from the post of president of the National Handball League, with immediate effect, informs the League in a press release. Following the resignation of Bruno Martini, the Steering Committee of the League will meet on Thursday January 26 to organize the interim before the elective General Assembly already scheduled for March 7.
What are the charges against Bruno Martini?
President of the National Handball League, Bruno Martini had been under threat of an investigation for 2 years. It all starts with the complaint of a 13-year-old teenager in the summer of 2020. The latter told the police that he had been approached on a social network by a man who led him to exchange several selfies and character videos with him. sexual. The man had even offered him a date and paid for a taxi to bring him to him before turning back at the last moment.
After several months of investigation, the investigators discovered Bruno Martini behind the nickname and arrested the former goalkeeper at his Parisian home. His two apartments, in Paris and Montpellier, were searched and his computer equipment was seized. The latter quickly admitted to the investigators having approached the young man, but claims to have believed that he was over 15 years old.