Tariq Ramadan: Islam scholar cleared of Swiss rape charges

Tariq Ramadan, a renowned Islamic studies scholar and Swiss citizen, has been acquitted of charges of rape and sexual coercion by a Swiss court. The case was brought forward by a Swiss woman who claimed that Ramadan had raped her in a Geneva hotel in 2008. Ramadan, the grandson of the founder of Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood, denied all the charges but admitted to having met the woman. If convicted, he could have faced up to three years in prison.

Ramadan had gained recognition as a prominent voice in Islamic thought, condemning terrorism and advocating for human rights. He faced criticism from some quarters, particularly in France, where he was accused of anti-Semitism by leading academics. In 2017, Ramadan’s reputation suffered a blow when he was accused of rape by a French woman, leading to more women coming forward with similar allegations. By 2020, he faced multiple charges of rape in France and Switzerland, spending nine months in detention in France before being released on probation.

The Swiss trial marked the first to go to court, and tension was palpable in the Geneva courtroom. Ramadan’s accuser, using the pseudonym Brigitte, requested a screen to be put up so she would not have to face the man she accused of rape. She provided a detailed account of the alleged attack, expressing fear for her life. Ramadan admitted inviting her to his hotel room but denied any violence, asserting that the accusations against him were politically motivated attempts to discredit him.

Throughout the trial, Ramadan’s family, as well as prominent figures like Noam Chomsky and Ken Loach, supported his claim of being unfairly targeted. However, the prosecution argued that Brigitte could not have fabricated the detailed account of the alleged attack. Ramadan’s defense lawyer maintained his client’s innocence, describing the charges as baseless.

After a week of deliberation, the three Swiss judges found Ramadan not guilty. While he has been cleared in Switzerland, the possibility of further trials looms, as French prosecutors are still evaluating whether charges should be brought against him in France. Ramadan continues to assert his innocence in all cases and intends to clear his name.

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