Tariq Ramadan convicted of rape in Geneva, 2008 incident

Tariq Ramadan, a prominent scholar of Islam, was convicted of rape by an appeals court in Geneva, overturning a previous acquittal. The court found him guilty of raping and sexually coercing a woman in 2008, leading to a sentence of three years in prison, with two years suspended. This ruling, dated August 28, 2024, marked a significant legal development for Ramadan, who had previously been cleared of all charges in 2023. The case against Ramadan gained attention amid a broader context of sexual assault allegations that emerged during the #MeToo movement. He faced multiple accusations from women, which contributed to his declining reputation after being recognized as one of the world's most influential people by Time magazine. Despite the conviction, Ramadan has consistently denied the allegations, claiming they are part of a smear campaign against him. His legal team has expressed their intention to appeal the conviction to the Federal Supreme Court of Switzerland, asserting confidence in restoring his innocence. They criticized the ruling, suggesting it reflects a conviction based on perception rather than factual evidence. The implications of this case extend beyond Ramadan, as it highlights ongoing discussions about sexual violence and accountability in society. The outcome of the appeal will be closely monitored, as it could further influence public perception and legal standards regarding sexual assault cases in Switzerland and beyond.