French Rugby Players Charged with Rape in Argentina
A prosecutor in Mendoza, Argentina, has charged two French rugby players, Hugo Auradou and Oscar Jegou, with the crime of sexual abuse with carnal access aggravated by the participation of two people, also known as rape.
According to the prosecutor’s office, Auradou, 20, and Jegou, 21, did not make any statements and will remain in a temporary detention center in Mendoza, where the alleged events occurred.
The accused players claim there was consent and deny hitting the alleged victim. Their defense attorney, Germán Hnatow, said they are "fine and confident in their version" and are calm because they know they are innocent.
The alleged victim’s lawyer, Mauricio Cardello, said the team is "satisfied with the charge" but may request an extension, although this would not increase the sentence.
Repetition of the Crime
After the match, the players went to a bar where they consumed a large quantity of alcohol. The owner of the bar, Andrés Civit, said they acted "like any other person who drinks regularly."
The alleged victim met Auradou at another nightclub and went with him to the Diplomatic Hotel. According to her lawyer, Natacha Romano, she was sexually abused at least six times with "ferocious violence" by Auradou and Jegou.
If found guilty, the young French sports stars risk up to 20 years in prison. Auradou’s charge includes repetition of the crime, which could result in a higher sentence.
General Decompensation
Auradou and Jegou were arrested on Monday and transferred to Mendoza on Thursday. The alleged victim was hospitalized after suffering from a mood disorder called "hypothymia" and "a general decompensation of the body as a result of everything that happened."
The French national team continues its tour, with three players excluded from the team: the two arrested and Melvyn Jaminet, who was excluded for making xenophobic comments on social media.
Source: AFP