French Rugby Players Arrested in Argentina on Sexual Abuse Charges
Allegations and Immediate Actions
On Sunday afternoon, six hours after the French rugby team left Mendoza to travel to Buenos Aires, a police and judicial commission entered the Diplomatic hotel. They were looking for evidence to document the serious allegation of sexual abuse against two French players, Hugo Auradou (21) and Oscar Jegou (20), who is the captain of the team. The incident allegedly occurred after a friendly match against Los Pumas, Argentina's national rugby team.
Investigation and Arrest
A young woman they had met at a bowling alley in Mendoza entered the room of the accused players early Sunday morning. The moment of her entry and exit has been recorded on the hotel's cameras, which the Prosecutor's Office has been investigating since Sunday. Chief prosecutor for Sexual Crimes of Mendoza, Daniela Chaler, stated that there are compelling elements in the woman's statement, supported by forensic examinations showing marks of scratches and genital injuries.
The accused players were detained on Monday in Buenos Aires by police from the Interpol Federal Investigation of Fugitives and Extraditions Division of the Argentine Federal Police and an officer from the Crimes Against Sexual Integrity Division of the Mendoza Police. The arrest caused great shock to the rest of the team, and the players were subsequently transferred back to Mendoza for further judicial proceedings.
Legal and Public Reactions
The complainant's lawyer, Natacha Romano, stated that the victim was 'brutally beaten' during the attack, describing the evidence as 'decisive.' The French Rugby Federation's president, Florian Grill, emphasized the importance of allowing the investigation to move forward and expressed his concern for the young woman. French Minister of Sports, Amélie Oudéa-Castéra, also condemned the alleged acts if proven true, calling them an 'unspeakable atrocity.'
The Stade Rochelais club, where Jegou plays, and Section Paloise, where Auradou works, have refrained from commenting, citing the ongoing investigation. Meanwhile, the rest of the French rugby team continued their tour, traveling to Montevideo to play a friendly match against Los Teros, the Uruguayan team.
