Paris – A French court has decided to proceed with the trial of prominent Islamic scholar Tariq Ramadan for alleged rape, even in his absence. The decision, made Friday, March 6, comes after Ramadan failed to appear at the start of his trial on Monday, citing health concerns.
The court also issued an arrest warrant for Ramadan, 63, according to reports. His lawyers left the courtroom after the ruling. The case centers on accusations of sexual assault made by three women.
Earlier this week, Ramadan’s legal team informed the court that he was hospitalized in Geneva, Switzerland, initially to visit his elderly mother. They presented a medical certificate from his Swiss doctor confirming his hospitalization, but it did not specify the length of his stay. The defense requested a postponement of the proceedings due to his health.
However, the court rejected the request for a delay. A medical assessment, conducted by two neurologists appointed by the court, determined that Ramadan is fit to stand trial. The experts found “stability” in his multiple sclerosis, with no recent signs of a relapse.
Despite the medical assessment, Ramadan’s defense submitted a letter from his doctor stating he was “depleted of his vital energy” and recommended a week to ten days of rest before appearing in court.
The court will now proceed with a trial in absentia and the proceedings will be held behind closed doors, issuing an immediate arrest warrant. This move underscores the court’s determination to move forward with the case despite the challenges posed by the defendant’s absence.
One of Ramadan’s lawyers, Me Ouadie Elhamamouchi, expressed dismay at the decision, stating, “What choice did we have but to leave?” He added that remaining would mean “accepting this parody of justice,” and claimed his client was once again the target of a “judicial relentlessness.”
The trial began Monday in Paris, but Ramadan’s absence immediately cast a shadow over the proceedings. The case has drawn significant attention, and the decision to proceed without the defendant is likely to fuel further debate.
