A significant trial has commenced in Châteauroux, France, where 19 individuals are being judged for hosting minors without proper authorization from 2010 to 2017. These children, placed by the Aide sociale à l'enfance (ASE), reportedly suffered physical and psychological abuse, including forced labor.

The trial, which will run until October 18, aims to address these severe allegations.

Victims, like Mathias, express relief at finally being heard, despite the stress of the proceedings.

The case highlights systemic failures, with repeated warnings to ASE going unheeded.

The accused face charges ranging from violence to organized illegal labor, with potential sentences of up to ten years.

The trial is seen as a crucial step in addressing the failures of child protection services in France.