5 key developments in the rugby rape case shaking Argentina and France

A brother of Argentina’s justice minister who is also one of the defense attorneys in the controversial case involving two French rugby players has optimism that the charges against his clients will be dismissed.

The which has drawn significant in both Argentina and France, revolves around allegations of aggravated rape by Hugo Auradou and Oscar Jegou, following a match against the Pumas in Mendoza this past July.

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Here are the five key developments in the case:

The defense team, led by prominent lawyer Mariano Cuneo Libarona, argues that the charges against the 21-year-old French players should be dropped due to lack of .

Libarona, in his statements to Argentine broadcaster, highlighted the findings of a psychological assessment of the complainant which reportedly revealed s and contradictions in her testimony.

“This case should serve as a wake-up call to reflect on false accusations against innocent people,” Libarona said.

His confidence is echoed by co-counsel German Hnatow who believes that the judicial system will vindicate his clients.

Last month, prosecutors recommended that the rape charges, which are used in suspected cases of gang rape, be dropped.

Their decision stemmed from what they described as a weakening of the case against the players.

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The psychological assessment of the 39-year-old complainant concluded that her version of events was “not plausible” further undermining the prosecution’s stance.

Despite the setbacks for the prosecution, the complainant’s lawyer, Natacha Romano, has argued vehemently for the investigation to continue.

Romano accused the prosecution of bias and criticized their handling of the case.

She insists that justice for her client requires a deeper examination of the events that transpired on the night of July 6.

“We cannot allow such a serious case to be dismissed without exhausting all avenues of investigation,” Romano stated ahead of the court hearing.

This case, coupled with racist remarks made by French full-back Melvyn Jaminet on the same night in July, has overshadowed the French rugby team’s summer tour of Argentina.

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Jaminet, who was sent home and handed a 34-week suspension, has become emblematic of what French Rugby Federation President Florian Grill described as “a culture of excess.”

In response to the scandals Grill announced sweeping changes to disciplinary measures and vowed to end the tradition of excessive post-match celebrations, referred to as “the fourth and fifth halves.”

While Auradou and Jegou have returned to their Top 14 club teams, the controversy continues to affect their reputations.

Auradou, who plays for Pau, faced public backlash when he was whistled off the pitch during his first game back, a narrow 11-10 loss to Perpignan.

The incident highlights the ongoing scrutiny both players face despite the diminishing strength of the case against them.