25 years in prison for Sarah's murderer: A drama of jealousy!

25 years in prison for Sarah's murderer: A drama of jealousy!

Tragic stories permeate life in northern Germany, and the recent events surrounding the case of Sarah Meyer are no exception. On June 25, 2025, the court in Nîmes imposed a harsh sentence on Guillaume Chiodo, responsible for the brutal murder of 32-year-old Sarah. The gruesome act took place on July 24, 2022 near Lausanne, where Chiodo strangled the young woman he had contacted via the Internet less than a month earlier in her own apartment - an incident that shocked the public.

Chiodo, 38 years old and already convicted of domestic violence, was in the middle of a jealous issue when the fatal argument broke out. The court gave him 25 years in prison and a 10-year follow-up after prosecutors asked for a minimum sentence of 25 years. Despite his later expressions of regret, he is described by victim advocates as “violent” and “murderous.” They also pointed to Chiodo's pattern of control and manipulation, which he had already established in just two months.

Discussion about femicide

The case is also a reminder of the broader social debate about femicide, which is linked to changes in legislation. On November 25, 2023, numerous demonstrations against violence against women took place across France. A central demand is the official recognition of the term “feminicide” in French criminal law in order to better address lethal violence against women. The term, coined in 1992 by sociologists Jill Radford and Diana Russell, refers to the killing of a woman because she is a woman.

121 femicides have already been registered in France since the beginning of 2023. Despite existing laws that classify the killing of a woman because of her gender as an aggravating circumstance, many voices are concerned that the current legal classification does not recognize the specific nature of these crimes. The situation is similar in Germany, where the debate about the legal classification of femicide as murder or manslaughter is still ongoing. Despite international commitments to combat gender-based violence, as set out in the Istanbul Convention, the fight against femicide remains a challenging task.

Scientific context

The term “femicide” has its origins in feminist research and is often seen in connection with gender inequality. Intimate partner homicide is the most common form of violence against women, and many of these crimes occur in the context of breakups. In Germany, where the Istanbul Convention to Combat Gender-Based Violence and Discrimination was implemented, there has been a retreat from certain reservations, indicating an increasing sensitivity in society.

The demands underscore the importance of addressing controlling violence to prevent femicide. There are also efforts to enshrine certain approaches in law, which is being examined by a newly established working group. It is clear that without intensive prevention work and social awareness, the risk of femicide continues to exist.

Given these alarming developments, the question remains: What is being done to protect women and break these deadly patterns? Sarah Meyer's case could serve as a turning point to further advance the debate.

The tragedy of their story should be viewed not just as an isolated event, but as part of a larger societal problem that urgently requires more attention and legal clarity.