The Césars: an attack on the presumption of innocence

These are bad times for the presumption of innocence.

Especially when it comes to possible sexual abuse and assault.

The latest sample is at the

: the French Film Academy has decided that it will not invite to the gala any actor, director or filmmaker who is being investigated for having committed "violent acts", especially of a sexual nature, and studies even veto his nomination for future editions.

It is a response to a particular case: that of the young actor

and Bennacer

, whom three women have accused of having raped them.

The possibility that Bennacer could win the award for best new actor has generated protests that the academy has tried to quell in this way, with the precedent of

in memory.

The decision is singularly reprehensible because it does not even enter the debate on whether or not it is appropriate to provide public recognition to a convicted criminal -not only because of a sexual assault but, why not, for not paying their taxes-: it is enough to be investigated, without waiting for any judicial resolution, to be excluded from the awards.

, once again in an area with as much popular resonance as the cinema.

To continue reading for free

Sign inSign up for free

Or

and you will have access to all the web content of El Mundo