Sambre: The sordid true story behind the series

The series on “The Rapist of the Sambre” broadcast on France 2

The prolific Jean-Xavier de Lestrade (An ideal culprit, Suspicions, Laetitia) was once again interested in a sordid piece of news as a starting point for his new miniseries, Sambreairing from Monday 13 November on France 2.

As the name suggests, the program focuses on the story of serial rapist Dino Scala, nicknamed “the Sambre rapist”, who raped more than fifty women between 1988 and 2018, without being disturbed by justice. The six-episode series offers a multidimensional look at a police and judicial fiasco, reflecting a time when sexual violence was often downplayed.

The series begins in 1988, with a victim, Christine, played by Alix Poisson, who wakes up on the banks of the Sambre, with her sweater pulled up and with traces of scratches on her neck. She struggles to gather her memories and the police officer’s questions destabilize her. This is the beginning of a long series of attacks which will go unpunished for years.

Every episode of Sambre it is told from a different time, through the eyes of a different character. From the victim to the investigating judge, passing through the mayor of a small town, Jean-Xavier de Lestrade paints a panorama of society, highlighting the crucial role of women in reporting these crimes. The series illustrates how, for thirty years, reports of sexual assault and rape have accumulated without attracting the necessary attention.

Who is Dino Scala, the Sambre rapist, arrested in 2018?

If the series names him Enzo Salina, the “Sambre rapist” is actually called Dino Scala, an employee of the Jeumont Electric company, located in the Nord department. A father of five and well-regarded in his community, he managed to hide his criminal activities for decades, keeping his criminal record clean until his arrest.

Scala’s arrest followed a failed assault in February 2018, ending a three-decade spree of rapes. What is particularly disturbing about Scala’s case is the stark contrast between his public appearance and his criminal actions. The psychiatric experts who examined him during his hearing noticed in him a marked duality of personality, evoking the image of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. On the surface, he was a kind neighbor and devoted family man, but he transformed into a fearsome predator at first light, during which he committed his crimes.

Scala confessed to hating women, finding a perverse satisfaction in dominating them. He likened himself to a hunter, who methodically located and observed his victims, often during their morning commute, before acting.

On 1 July 2022 Dino Scala was sentenced to 20 years of criminal imprisonment, with a precautionary sentence of 13 years. Last Octoberhad decided not to appeal.

Source: Cine Serie

Ray

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