Dismissal Hearing for Auradou and Jegou Postponed Again
The legal proceedings surrounding French rugby players Hugo Auradou and Oscar Jegou, charged with aggravated gang rape in Argentina, have faced yet another postponement. Originally scheduled for November 1, the dismissal hearing has been delayed indefinitely as the Mendoza provincial justice system reviews an appeal filed by the plaintiff's lawyers, seeking to introduce new evidence and testimonies into the case. This marks the third postponement in less than a month, with no new date provided for the hearing, according to judicial sources.
The appeal includes requests for additional expert statements and an ocular inspection of the Diplomatic Hotel, where the alleged incident occurred after a match between the French national team and Argentina on July 6-7. The players' defense argues that the evidence presented by the plaintiff's side is dilatory and aims to prolong the legal process unnecessarily. Despite the charges, both Auradou and Jegou have maintained their innocence, asserting that their interactions with the 39-year-old complainant were consensual.
Ongoing Legal Battle and Impact on Players
The case has drawn significant media attention, particularly as both players, aged 21, continue their rugby careers while facing serious allegations. After being released from provisional detention and house arrest, they returned to France in early September and have resumed playing for their respective clubs, with Auradou competing in the Top 14 for Pau and Jegou training with La Rochelle.
The plaintiff's lead lawyer, Natacha Romano, claims that the injuries sustained by her client are evidence of non-consensual acts, countering the players' defense which links the injuries to a pre-existing medical condition known as Von Willebrand disease. This ongoing dispute over the interpretation of evidence highlights the complexities of the case as it continues to unfold in the Argentine legal system.
