Former French Senator Sentenced for Drugging and Assaulting MP: A Case That Shakes French Politics

In a shocking development that has sent ripples through the political landscape of France, former Senator Joël Guerriau has been found guilty of drugging and sexually assaulting fellow politician Sandrine Josso. The 68-year-old, who served as a centrist senator for Loire-Atlantique, was sentenced on Tuesday to four years in prison, with 18 months to be served immediately. Guerriau has appealed the verdict, meaning that his prison time will be postponed pending a new trial. The incident took place in November 2023, when Guerriau is accused of spiking Josso's glass of champagne with MDMA, also known as ecstasy. Josso, a member of the centrist MoDem party, testified in court that after consuming the drink, she experienced severe symptoms including heart palpitations and nausea, eventually managing to escape Guerriau's apartment where he had invited her to celebrate his re-election. This guilty verdict was described by Josso as a "huge relief." The case against Guerriau has garnered significant attention, not only for the nature of the crime but also for its timing, following high-profile discussions surrounding sexual assault in France. The trial resonates with the recent case of Gisèle Pelicot, who garnered international attention after publicly waiving her right to anonymity in the trial of several men convicted of sexually assaulting her after she had been drugged by her then husband. Josso has taken a leading role in advocating against drug-related sexual assault, co-authoring a parliamentary report and participating in investigations to address these issues within France's legislative systems. During the trial, Guerriau expressed remorse, claiming that he never intended to harm Josso and explaining that he had initially poured the powdered drug into the drink to help calm a panic attack. He later claimed he had decided against using it and placed the glass back in the cupboard, adding, "I feel really sorry for Sandrine. That’s something I never wanted. I hope one day she'll forgive me." However, his statements fell flat as evidence presented in court suggested a more premeditated act, with the state prosecutor Benjamin Coulon accusing Guerriau of deliberately spiking Josso's drink for the purpose of assault. Further complicating Guerriau’s defense, it was revealed that he had been searching online for information regarding drugs, including ecstasy, in relation to sexual assault about a month prior to the incident. Guerriau maintained that this research was part of his duties as a senator, but the timing raised eyebrows among investigators. In court, Josso recounted her harrowing experience, stating that she felt as though she might die after consuming the tainted drink. She described how she initially went to Guerriau’s flat with good intentions, only to discover she had placed herself in a dangerous situation. Following the incident, she took a six-month leave from work to undergo physical and psychiatric treatment due to the trauma she experienced, even having to have dental work done as a result of the stress. The case has sparked a renewed conversation around sexual assault laws in France, particularly focusing on the issue of consent and the administration of harmful substances with the intent to harm. As Guerriau prepares for a new trial, the decision serves as a crucial moment in the ongoing fight for justice and accountability in cases of sexual violence. For anyone affected by sexual assault, support services are available, including Rape Crisis in the UK, Rainn in the US, and 1800Respect in Australia. International helplines can also be accessed for those in need of assistance. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2 • Source 3