Swiss Court Confirms Tariq Ramadan’s Conviction for Rape

Switzerland’s highest court has upheld the conviction of prominent Islamic scholar Tariq Ramadan for rape and sexual coercion. The Swiss Federal Court announced its decision on Thursday, rejecting an appeal filed by Ramadan that claimed procedural flaws in the previous rulings.

The Geneva Appeals Court had initially overturned a lower court’s acquittal, which cited insufficient material evidence. The appeals court’s ruling detailed incidents from October 2008, when Ramadan allegedly forced a woman to engage in sexual acts against her will in a hotel room in Geneva. The court referenced social media exchanges between the two before and after the incident, which played a significant role in the case.

As a result of the appeals court’s decision in September 2023, Ramadan, now 63 years old, received a three-year prison sentence, with two years suspended. He was also ordered to pay over 100,000 Swiss francs (approximately $118,000) in damages and legal fees to the plaintiff.

In a notable turn of events, Ramadan’s initial acquittal in 2022 marked a moment of relief for the scholar, who faced multiple allegations of sexual misconduct in France. He was jailed in February 2018 on preliminary charges related to two alleged assaults in France over ten years ago but was released on bail nine months later, pending trial.

The ongoing legal battles for Ramadan have drawn significant media attention. In March 2023, a third woman filed a rape complaint against him in France, further complicating his legal situation. Throughout the controversies, Ramadan has maintained his innocence, asserting that the allegations against him are false and has pursued legal action in response.

The case has not only impacted Ramadan personally but has also raised broader discussions about accountability and the treatment of sexual assault allegations in both Switzerland and France. The ruling by the Swiss Federal Court underscores the complexities involved in such high-profile cases and the challenges faced by victims seeking justice. As the legal proceedings continue, Ramadan’s future remains uncertain amid a backdrop of serious allegations and public scrutiny.