Besançon

Besançon is a city in the Doubs department of France. Recent news focuses on a trial held at the criminal court of Besançon involving Théo Denner, a 25-year-old lumberjack dubbed the "Doubs lumberjack." Denner was convicted of multiple counts of sex crimes, including rape, sexual assault, and blackmail via sextortion, targeting 42 victims aged 13-19. He was sentenced to 18 years in prison on March 25, 2026, after a trial that began on March 9. The prosecution had sought a 20-year sentence. The case garnered significant attention due to the number of victims and the nature of the crimes, highlighting issues of online safety and the exploitation of minors. The trial and sentencing are relevant as they underscore the ongoing efforts to combat online sexual predation and hold perpetrators accountable.