French Rugby Players Face Serious Charges in Argentina
French rugby players Oscar Jegou and Hugo Auradou have been summoned to appear before Deputy Prosecutor Cecilia Bignert in Mendoza, Argentina, to address accusations of aggravated rape. The hearing, which is closed to the public, will determine whether the two players will be indicted. They risk facing prison sentences ranging from 8 to 20 years if found guilty.
The players arrived in Mendoza on Thursday evening, having traveled approximately 1,100 km from Buenos Aires, where they were initially arrested. The alleged incident took place at the Diplomatic Hotel in Mendoza following the French XV's victory over Argentina. The 39-year-old alleged victim, who is the daughter and sister of lawyers, was hospitalized for a “general decompensation of her body” and hypothymia.
Defense and Prosecution Prepare for Legal Battle
The defense, led by lawyer Rafael Cuneo Libaronan, maintains that the sexual encounter was consensual, presenting various pieces of evidence to support this claim, including surveillance footage from the hotel. However, the complainant's lawyer, Natacha Romano, argues that the evidence points to violent rape. The alleged victim has described the incident in detail, claiming she was beaten and suffocated by the players.
Prosecutor Martin Ahumada has indicated that the players will likely remain in pre-trial detention unless compelling evidence is presented by the defense. The case has drawn significant attention, with statements from various officials, including the French Minister of Sports, Amélie Oudéa-Castéra, who expressed her support for the alleged victim and called for a swift judicial process.
- The hearing is a critical juncture in the case, as it will determine whether Jegou and Auradou will face formal charges. The players have admitted to having a sexual relationship with the complainant but deny any form of violence.
- The complainant's lawyer, Natacha Romano, has provided a detailed account of the events, alleging that the victim was subjected to severe physical and sexual violence. This contradicts the defense's narrative of a consensual encounter.
- The case has significant implications for the French rugby community, with the president of the French Rugby Federation, Florian Grill, expressing hope for a swift resolution. The legal proceedings are being closely monitored, both in Argentina and internationally.
