French bikers involved in anti-bullying campaign accused of intimidating school principal

The leaders of an anti-bullying motorcycle club in northern France have been arrested for allegedly threatening a school headteacher and deputy. The president of the Black Shadow North WC club and his wife were questioned by police in Auchel. The couple deny the charges, including the accusation that they threatened to kidnap the headteacher and put him in the trunk of a car. The conflict arose after reports of violence among students. The Black Shadow North WC club is one of many biker clubs in France that have formed to address the issue of bullying. Members of the club accuse authorities of not doing enough to combat bullying, which affects over 10% of French pupils by the age of 16, according to health experts. The confrontation in Auchel stemmed from a mother's complaint about her daughter being targeted, although the bullying was not confirmed by authorities. Tensions were high following the suicide of a teenager from a neighboring school in early November. Prosecutors allege that the president of Black Shadow North WC went to the school in Auchel to demand action against the alleged offenders. According to the prosecutor's office, the biker and his wife threatened to return with a group of bikers to kidnap the headteacher and take him over the Belgian border. The accused individuals are scheduled to appear in court on Monday.