Content warning: This story may include topics that some readers may find uncomfortable. The 67-year-old, who remains unnamed at this time, is reportedly a mayor in the Aveyron department in the south of France.
He was allegedly leaving a parking lot that is also a gay cruising area when the attack took place, sparking concerns that he was the victim of a discriminatory attack.
Samuel Vuelta-Simon, a prosecutor, said: “The wounds testify to the nature of the attack.” He added that the victim’s injuries are so bad that they are preventing him from making an official statement to authorities.
The 11 September incident saw the man be held down by two attackers as they ripped his clothes off before tying him to a tree.