Tariq Ramadan sentenced to 18 years in prison for rape, a verdict delivered in his absence

The Paris criminal court sentenced Tariq Ramadan on Wednesday to 18 years in prison for the rapes of three women. Tried in absentia and behind closed doors, the Swiss Islamic scholar never appeared in court since the trial began on March 2, citing health reasons among other things.

Convicted of rape, including one count against a vulnerable person, he is also subject to judicial supervision for eight years. The court specifically prohibits him from contacting the victims and from speaking publicly about the events. An arrest warrant has been issued against him, along with a permanent ban from French territory upon completion of his sentence.

The trial proceeded without the defendant present, despite a medical examination concluding that he was fit to stand trial. His lawyers denounced a "travesty of justice" and left the courtroom, leaving the proceedings to continue without a defense. The plaintiffs, for their part, denounced maneuvers aimed at delaying or avoiding the trial.

Already convicted in Switzerland for similar offenses, Tariq Ramadan denies the accusations and claims he is being subjected to judicial harassment. This decision brings to a close several years of legal proceedings, marked by numerous controversies and significant media attention.