Preliminary charges have been filed against a member of the French Senate for drugging another member with the aim of raping or sexually assaulting her, according to the Paris prosecutor's office, which has suspended his membership in his party. The prosecutor's office stated that Joël Guerriau, 66, who represents the Loire-Atlantique region in western France, was arrested for 48 hours and faced preliminary charges on Friday.
He is suspected of placing "ecstasy" in a glass of champagne he offered to parliament member Sandrine Josso, who left after feeling unwell, according to French media reports. The incident occurred on Tuesday evening at the senator's apartment.
His attorney stated that Guerriau did not intend to drug Josso to assault her and apologized to her. Rémi Pierre Dreuil, in a statement, said, "It was a handling mistake" that caused the legislator to feel ill but did not elaborate further. He continued, "Joël Guerriau is not a rapist... He is an honest and respected man who will restore his honor and that of his family, no matter how long it takes."
Guerriau, a senator, was detained on suspicion of drugging a parliament member without her knowledge during the night from Tuesday to Wednesday at his home, and it remains unclear what he did during that time. Guerriau holds the position of Secretary of the Senate and is the Deputy Chair of the Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Armed Forces Committee.
Preliminary charges against Guerriau involve the use and possession of drugs, and secretly administering a substance to commit a rape or sexual assault. He was released under judicial supervision and prohibited from contacting the victim and witnesses while the investigation continues.
Under French law, preliminary charges indicate that investigating judges have strong reasons to suspect a violation, but they are given more time before determining whether to refer the case to trial. Following the announcement of the charges, the Horizons political group, which is center-right, announced on Saturday the suspension of Guerriau's membership, stating it "will never tolerate the slightest leniency towards sexual violence." Horizons collaborates in parliament with the Renaissance party, led by President Emmanuel Macron.
