Europe 1 with AFP 17:55 p.m., May 27, 2023

The international rugby Mohamed Haouas, pillar of the XV of France, placed Friday in custody for domestic violence, will be tried Tuesday in Montpellier in immediate appearance, said his lawyer to AFP this Saturday.

Mohamed Haouas will be heard "Tuesday at 13:30 pm in immediate appearance" before the criminal court of Montpellier, said the player's counsel, Marc Gallix, specifying that his client was "prosecuted for domestic violence without ITT" and that he faces a maximum sentence of three years of detention. "I have just learned from the public prosecutor that the custody of Mohamed Haouas was extended by 24 hours," added Gallix, explaining that his client would be brought Sunday before a judge who will decide on his possible detention.

Beatings and several witnesses

"I confirm the extension of police custody and the fact that the person concerned will be presented to the prosecutor's office tomorrow," said for his part to AFP the prosecutor of the Republic of Montpellier, Fabrice Bélargent. Earlier in the day, the latter had confirmed the placement in custody of Mohamed Haouas "since Friday for acts of domestic violence that would have been committed on the public road in Montpellier".

According to a source close to the case, the facts accused of the Montpellier colossus (1.85 m, 123 kg) occurred Friday in front of the shopping center "Le Polygone" in Montpellier, where his wife works. "He made a sweep (Editor's note: kick in the ankle to make someone fall), she fell and he hit her in the face," added the same source. He then "left with her forcing her to follow him," added the source, noting that several people had witnessed the scene, which happened in the middle of the day in a busy place, and that in addition everything was filmed by CCTV cameras.

Aged 29, married and father of two children, Mohamed Haouas has already twice experienced the dock of the judicial court of Montpellier, for facts committed in his youth, nearly ten years ago. This new judicial episode further compromises his chances of participating in the 2023 World Cup (September 8-October 28) in France, a few days before the announcement on June 21 by Fabien Galthié, the coach of the Blues, of the 42 players who will be selected for the competition.