Tariq Ramadan Rape Trial Proceeds Amid Hospitalization
The trial of Swiss Islamic scholar Tariq Ramadan on charges of raping three women in France between 2009 and 2016 is continuing in Paris, despite the defendant’s absence. Ramadan’s lawyers informed the Paris Criminal Court on Tuesday that he has been hospitalized in Geneva for psychiatric treatment, Le Figaro reported. The court briefly suspended proceedings to consider this new development but ultimately resumed the trial.
Defense Claims Hospitalization, Court Issues Arrest Warrant
Ramadan was initially absent from the trial’s opening on March 2, with his defense citing a “push” from multiple sclerosis requiring hospitalization in Geneva, Switzerland. They requested a postponement, stating he needed a “rest period of one week to ten days.” However, the court determined he had not provided a “valid excuse” for his absence and issued an arrest warrant. Morocco World News detailed this decision.
Lawyers Protest, Victims Express Disappointment
Following the court’s decision to proceed with the trial in absentia and issue the arrest warrant, Ramadan’s four lawyers withdrew from the courtroom and have not participated in subsequent proceedings. BFMTV reported that lawyers for Henda Ayari, the activist who initially filed a rape complaint in October 2017, expressed frustration, stating Ramadan was attempting a “last-ditch maneuver” to avoid responsibility and showing “contempt for the judicial authorities and the victims.”
Previous Conviction and Potential Sentence
Ramadan was previously convicted in Swiss courts for the rape of a woman. In France, he faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted of the rape allegations brought by three other women between 2009 and 2016. He maintains his innocence and has pursued procedural challenges to delay the trial and seek further investigation. Despite the recent announcement of his psychiatric hospitalization, the verdict is still scheduled for Wednesday.
Medical Review Ordered Earlier in March
Earlier in March, on March 3rd, the Paris criminal court ordered a medical review following Ramadan’s initial claim of hospitalization in Geneva, Barlaman Today reported. Judges were to decide on Wednesday, March 5th, whether to postpone proceedings based on the review.
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