Swiss appeal court has found Islamic scholar Tariq Ramadan guilty of raping a woman in a Geneva hotel 15 years ago, overturning a previous acquittal. The court sentenced him to three years in prison, with two suspended. Ramadan, always maintaining his innocence, said he was the victim of a “trap” set by the accuser, who testified that she was subjected to rape and violent acts.
The ruling, made public after being reported by RTS, is likely to be appealed at Switzerland’s highest court. The accuser, a Muslim convert known as “Brigitte”, filed a complaint 10 years after the alleged assault, feeling encouraged by similar complaints against Ramadan in France.
Ramadan’s lawyers plan to contest the verdict, stating it is up to the federal court to uphold justice and recognize his innocence. Ramadan, a former Oxford University professor, has faced allegations in France as well, where he is suspected of raping three women between 2009 and 2016.
The appeal court overturned a lower court’s acquittal citing a lack of evidence, contradictory testimonies, and “love messages” sent by the accuser post-assault. However, during the appeal, new evidence and testimonies convinced the judges of Ramadan’s guilt.
Ramadan, a prominent figure in European Islam, took a leave of absence from Oxford in 2017 when rape allegations emerged in France amidst the “Me Too” movement. He held visiting roles at universities in Qatar and Morocco. Ramadan’s legal team is also fighting a Paris appeals court decision that the cases against him can proceed to trial.
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