French Senator Joël Guerriau has been ordered to stand trial over serious allegations that he drügged a fellow lawmaker, Sandrine Josso, with the intent to s3xually ass@ult her.
According to French media reports confirmed by AFP on June 27, the incident happened in November 2023. Investigators say Guerriau, 67, allegedly spiked a glass of champagne with MDMA (ecstasy) before offering it to Josso, 49, at his Paris apartment. Prosecutors believe the motive was to s3xually ass@ult or r@pe her.
The decision to bring Guerriau to trial comes after months of investigation by two examining magistrates. In addition to attempted r@pe or s3xual ass@ult, Guerriau will also face charges for drüg possession.
Guerriau, who has served in the French Senate since 2011 and was affiliated with the Horizons party (founded by ex-PM Édouard Philippe), was suspended from the party after the initial charges surfaced in late 2023.
His lawyers strongly deny the accusations, insisting he has “no fear of the truth” and that the case will show “the reality beyond rumors.” Guerriau has claimed it was all a “handling error” rather than an intentional act.
Meanwhile, Josso’s legal team welcomed the court’s decision, saying it “validates the gravity of her claims.”