French Senator Faces Investigation for Allegedly Drugging MP
French senator investigated for alleged drugging and sexual abuse of MP Legal action initiated following suspicions that the senator administered drugs to the MP with an intent to sexually assault her Authorities and the senator's lawyer confirm the investigation
A French senator has been officially accused of drugging a fellow member of parliament with the intention of sexually assaulting her, according to the senator's lawyer and the Paris prosecutors office.
The 66-year-old conservative senator, Joel Guerriau, is being investigated for giving MP Sandrine Josso, 48, "a substance that could impair her judgment or control over her actions, with the intention of committing rape or sexual assault, as well as for the possession and use of illegal drugs," stated Guerriaus lawyer, Remi-Pierre Drai, in a late Friday statement to Reuters.
Guerriau's lawyer, in a statement cited by French broadcaster BFM, stated that his client would vigorously defend himself against the allegations, asserting that he had never intended to administer any substance to his colleague and long-time friend for the purpose of abusing her.
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Jossos lawyer, Julia Minkowski, informed French media that the Member of Parliament from the ruling coalition party Modem had experienced illness after consuming a glass of champagne at Guerriaus' residence this week. She observed Guerriaus handling a small plastic bag containing a white substance, which led her to suspect that her drink had been tampered with. The reason for Josso's presence in the senator's flat during this alleged incident remains uncertain.
Efforts to reach Josso or her legal representative for comment were unsuccessful. Late on Friday, the Paris prosecutor confirmed the initiation of an investigation. Additionally, it was mentioned that Guerriau is under judicial supervision and is prohibited from contacting Josso or any witnesses.
Guerriau has been suspended with immediate effect, according to a spokesman from the senators conservative Horizons party, which is also a part of French President Emmanuel Macron's ruling coalition, as disclosed to Radio France Info on Saturday.
