The court has upheld the sentences handed down to three former professional athletes convicted of gang rape following a second trial. The prison terms, ranging from 12 to 14 years, remain the same as those handed down in the first trial for crimes dating back to 2017.
The incident occurred during a night of drinking after a match in Bordeaux. The complainant, then 20 years old, reported events that took place in a hotel room, while the accused have always maintained that the relationships were consensual.
A decision confirmed after deliberation
After several hours of closed-door deliberations, the court ruled that the evidence examined did not justify reviewing the initial convictions. The prosecution had requested similar sentences, emphasizing the seriousness of the crimes and the defendants' involvement.
The defense lawyers have announced an appeal to the Court of Cassation, contesting the ruling. This case, marked by conflicting accounts of consent, is among the most sensitive legal cases involving professional athletes in France.
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