Annecy officials accused of suppressing rape allegation through newspaper purchases
Annecy officials allegedly bulk-bought newspapers to suppress a rape allegation; mayor denies coordination.
Event / Society
Annecy Deputy Mayor Rape Allegation
In June 2026, L'Essor Savoyard published a rape allegation against Anthony Granger, first deputy mayor of Annecy, France. An investigation by Reporters Without Borders and the newspaper documented an alleged coordinated effort by municipal officials to suppress the story through bulk-purchasing and removing copies from retail locations. The mayor denied allegations of coordination.
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2026-08-15 to 2026-11-12 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 21 Jul, 11:31 UTC
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What happened
Municipal officials allegedly attempted to suppress rape allegation by bulk-buying newspapers
Members of Annecy's municipal team allegedly rushed to newsstands in early June to purchase hundreds of copies of L'Essor Savoyard to suppress publication of a rape allegation against city officials. Newsagents reported unusual customer activity, with individuals buying 20, 50, or more copies at a time using false pretenses. Two-thirds of retail points were depleted by midday. The newspaper normally sells 2,000 copies; sales spiked by 50% that day. Reporters Without Borders and L'Essor Savoyard investigation identified individuals linked to Annecy city hall among the buyers, including Myriam Clerc, a special advisor to the mayor.
Mayor denies coordinated effort to suppress rape allegation reporting
Mayor Antoine Armand denied allegations that his administration coordinated efforts to suppress reporting of the rape allegation, stating that no instructions were given and no organized operation was put in place to silence the matter.
Rape allegation against Annecy deputy mayor published in L'Essor Savoyard
A man accused Anthony Granger, first deputy mayor of Annecy, of rape in a testimony published in L'Essor Savoyard on June 4. Following the publication, Granger was placed on temporary leave from his duties by mayor Antoine Armand.
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