The Paris criminal court proceeded with Tariq Ramadan’s trial in his absence after his lawyers said he was hospitalized in Switzerland to attend to his sick mother, and a request for adjournment was denied.

Ramadan remained in Switzerland, amid court orders that he be near Paris, and an arrest warrant was issued for his French case due to his absence.

The verdict carries additional penalties: eight years of socio-judicial supervision, a mandatory care order, ten years of civil rights loss, and a definitive ban from French territory.

This case is the culmination of a lengthy process that began in 2017 in the wake of the MeToo movement, with the verdict potentially subject to appeal.

Tariq Ramadan, a 63-year-old Swiss Islamic scholar, was convicted by the Paris court of rape and related sexual offenses, receiving an 18-year prison sentence.

The March 25, 2026 verdict followed claims of serious sexual offenses including rape of vulnerable persons, reflecting the prosecution’s demands.

The court described an ongoing psychological destruction campaign against the complainants and characterized the acts as highly serious.

The report notes paywall limitations from Le Monde, restricting access to the full article.

Switzerland continues legal action related to the Geneva 2008 incident, including an acquittal in an initial trial and a subsequent Swiss conviction on appeal.

Ramadan was ordered to avoid contacting the victims and to provide compensation, on top of the prison term.

There was also a push for an arrest warrant and a definitive ban from French territory after any sentence is served.

Civil party testimonies and defense statements underscored the gravity of the charges and the strength of the prosecution, while Ramadan’s lawyers argued there was unjustified pressure and highlighted hospitalizations.