Geneva: In a significant legal development, a Swiss court has overturned the acquittal of prominent Islamic scholar and former Oxford University professor Tariq Ramadan on charges of rape. The decision, handed down by the Swiss Court of Appeal, nullifies the earlier verdict that had cleared the scholar of all accusations.
In May 2023, Professor Tariq Ramadan, a Swiss citizen and globally recognized Islamic scholar, was acquitted by a lower court in a rape case due to insufficient evidence. The court had dismissed the charges against him, concluding that the evidence did not support the allegations made by the plaintiff, and ordered Ramadan to be compensated with $167,000 in damages for the wrongful accusation.
The case centers around accusations made by a 58-year-old woman who alleged that Ramadan raped her in a hotel room in Geneva in 2008. Ramadan, who was 62 at the time of the trial, has consistently denied these claims. He has argued that the accusations are baseless and politically motivated, a stance he has maintained throughout the lengthy legal proceedings.
Ramadan’s acquittal earlier this year was seen as a victory by his supporters, who had long argued that the case was a smear campaign against the scholar due to his outspoken views on various religious and political issues. However, the Swiss Court of Appeal’s decision to overturn the acquittal now brings the case back into focus and raises questions about the future of the legal battle.
Legal experts indicate that Professor Ramadan retains the right to appeal the latest ruling to the Swiss Federal Court, which could be his next step in seeking to clear his name. His legal team has yet to make an official statement, but it is expected that Ramadan will continue to fight the charges, given his consistent denials of any wrongdoing.
Ramadan, who has held numerous high-profile academic positions, is the grandson of Hasan al-Banna, the founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, an influential religious and political movement originating in Egypt. Over the years, Ramadan has gained international recognition for his work in Islamic studies, including his role as a professor at St. Anthony’s College, Oxford University.
In 2004, Time magazine named Ramadan one of the 100 most influential people in the world, solidifying his standing as a respected voice in discussions on Islam and its intersection with modern society. However, the recent legal challenges have cast a shadow over his career and public image, leading to debates both within academic circles and among the general public about the fairness and implications of the case.
While the court proceedings are likely to continue, the Swiss legal system will play a pivotal role in determining the final outcome of this controversial case. For now, the overturning of Ramadan’s acquittal has reignited attention on a case that continues to divide opinion both in Switzerland and internationally.
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