Illustration funeral directors -

Jeff Pachoud AFP / Archives

The prosecutor's office in Châlons-en-Champagne (Marne) opened a preliminary investigation on Tuesday for "infringement of the integrity of the corpse" and "forgery and use".

The children of a man who died of Covid-19 have lodged a complaint, denouncing the too rapid cremation of their father.

According to the first elements, "it is not a question of a" forced cremation ", indicated the prosecutor Ombeline Mahuzier, confirming information of

Mediapart

.

They denounce a too rapid cremation of the body by the authorized services, which deprived them of the possibility of coming to meditate near the coffin.

"

A much too early cremation

According to the family lawyer, the complaint was filed on January 25 by the children of Patrick Grasset, who died of the coronavirus on March 25, 2020 at the age of 67.

According to them, the funeral directors and the mayor of Châlons-en-Champagne would have "cremated Mr. Grasset 5:30 after his death, while the law stipulates a period of at least 24 hours".

The children "did not even have time to come to meditate," laments the lawyer.

They also file a complaint for forgery and use of forgery, because the contract signed with the funeral directors indicated a cremation at 3:15 p.m. However, by calling the company at 12:30 p.m., the deceased's daughter learned that the cremation was already in progress that day.

A first different complaint in 2020

The children of the deceased were heard on January 27, according to the prosecutor.

The same children had filed a complaint in 2020 after the death of their father for manslaughter and failure to assist a person in danger.

Two separate procedures were opened, said the magistrate.

According to the lawyer for the plaintiffs, the first complaint was lodged "against Mr. Grasset's doctor and the Samu for poor care".

The chief of staff of the mayor of Châlons-en-Champagne, regulatory in charge of the funeral police, however affirms that no complaint has so far been filed against the town hall or against the mayor.

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  • Justice

  • Covid 19

  • Funeral directors

  • Complaint

  • Coronavirus