Auradou-Jegou Case: Dismissal Hearing Scheduled for November 25
The ongoing legal saga surrounding French rugby players Hugo Auradou and Oscar Jegou continues as a new date has been set for the dismissal hearing in the aggravated gang rape case against them. The Mendoza appeals chamber in Argentina has scheduled the hearing for Monday, November 25, at 9 a.m. local time (2 p.m. in France). This decision follows three previous postponements, with the last hearing originally set for November 1.
The case, which involves allegations stemming from an incident on the night of July 6-7, has seen the plaintiff's legal team attempt to introduce new evidence, including medical analyses and witness testimonials. However, these requests have been rejected by Judge Eleonora Arenas, who ruled against adding new elements to the case during hearings on October 18 and again on November 1. As a result, the legal proceedings will move forward without these additional testimonies.
Despite the serious charges, both Auradou and Jegou maintain their innocence, asserting that any interactions with the alleged victim were consensual. The players have returned to their respective clubs in the Top 14, with Auradou having resumed play in early October and Jegou making his comeback this past weekend.
The Context of the Allegations
The allegations against Auradou and Jegou emerged following a test match where France triumphed over Argentina, with a score of 28-13. The incident is said to have occurred at the Diplomatic Hotel in Mendoza, where the players were staying. While both players are free to compete, they remain under investigation, and the upcoming hearing will be crucial in determining the future of the case.
As the legal process unfolds, the implications for both players' careers and reputations hang in the balance, with public interest in the case remaining high.
