In a significant legal development, Tariq Ramadan, a prominent Islamic scholar and former Oxford University professor, has been found guilty of rape by a Swiss appeals court. This verdict, delivered on August 28, 2024, and made public on September 10, 2024, overturns a previous acquittal by a lower court.
The Geneva appeals court determined that Ramadan, 62, was "guilty of rape and sexual coercion" of a woman in a hotel incident that occurred on October 28, 2008. The court imposed a sentence of three years in prison, with two years suspended, marking the first guilty verdict against Ramadan in relation to sexual assault allegations.
The victim's legal representatives, Veronique Fontana and Robert Assael, expressed relief at the outcome, stating that "the truth has finally triumphed" after a prolonged legal battle. The ruling is expected to face further appeal at Switzerland's highest court.
Ramadan, grandson of Hassan al-Banna, the founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, has consistently maintained his innocence. His defense team has criticized the judicial process, citing "many contradictions." The scholar claims he was the victim of a "trap," asserting that the encounter was brief and consensual.
The case against Ramadan was initiated when the victim, identified only as "Brigitte," filed a complaint in 2018, a decade after the alleged assault. Her decision to come forward was reportedly influenced by similar allegations against Ramadan in France.
This verdict marks a significant turn in Ramadan's career and public image. Once named by Time magazine as one of the seven religious innovators of the 21st century and listed among the 100 most influential people in the world in 2004, Ramadan has authored over 30 books and was a respected academic figure.
The scholar's professional life has been deeply affected by these allegations. In 2017, he was forced to take a leave of absence from his position as Professor of Contemporary Islamic Studies at Oxford University, a role he had held since 2009.
"I am the victim of a trap."
Ramadan's legal troubles extend beyond Switzerland. In France, he faces accusations of raping three women between 2009 and 2016. A Paris appeals court decision in June 2024 has paved the way for these cases to proceed to trial, despite objections from Ramadan's defense team.
Throughout his career, Ramadan has been a controversial figure, advocating for a "European Islam" compatible with Western values. He has been involved in interfaith dialogue initiatives and has been influential in discussions about Muslim identity in Europe. However, he has also faced criticism for his views on Islamic law and its application in Western contexts.
As this legal saga continues to unfold, it remains a focal point in discussions about power, accountability, and the complexities of cultural integration in Europe.