French Rugby Players Accused of Sexual Assault in Mendoza
Two French rugby players, Oscar Jegou and Hugo Araudou, have been detained in Mendoza, Argentina, following serious allegations of sexual abuse. The incident allegedly occurred in a luxury hotel room after a night out celebrating their team's victory against Los Pumas. This Saturday, the teams are set to face each other again in Buenos Aires.
Details of the Incident
The complainant, a 39-year-old woman, met the players at a nightclub and later accompanied them to their hotel room. She alleges that she was raped six times, beaten, and forced to perform oral sex. Forensic experts found marks and scratches on her body, which she reported approximately eight hours after the incident. The players, aged 20 and 21, were transferred from Buenos Aires to Mendoza and are currently held at the Estrada detention center.
Legal Proceedings and Defense
The rugby players' lawyer, Rafael Cúneo Libarona, claims that the sexual encounter was consensual and without violence. He plans to request house arrest, citing the players' lack of criminal records and flight risk. The defense intends to examine all telephones to reconstruct the events and provide psychological evaluations. The prosecutor, Cecilia Bignert, is expected to charge the players with aggravated sexual abuse, which carries a potential sentence of 8 to 20 years in prison.
- Jegou and Araudou arrived in Mendoza after a 15-hour journey from Buenos Aires. They were escorted by police and greeted by a throng of journalists. Their lawyer, Rafael Cuneo Libarona, was present at the pre-trial detention center to meet them.
- A press conference is expected to be held by a representative of the Public Prosecutor's Office. The hearing will involve the Mendoza prosecutor Cecilia Bignert, the head of the prosecution Fernando Guzzo, and the defense lawyer. The alleged victim's lawyer, Natacha Romano, may also attend.
- The defense argues that the woman's actions, such as waiting for Araudou outside the room and later leaving in a taxi, indicate consent. They also plan to use security camera footage from the hotel lobby and hallways to support their case. The complainant is currently hospitalized due to a general decompensation of the body and mood disorder.
