Islamic scholar Tariq Ramadan received an 18-year prison sentence from a Paris court for rape convictions related to incidents from 2009 to 2016.
A Paris court has sentenced Swiss Islamic scholar Tariq Ramadan to 18 years in prison for the rape of three women, with the crimes occurring between 2009 and 2016. The verdict was announced on March 26, 2026, marking a significant legal outcome in a high-profile case.
Ramadan was tried in absentia after failing to appear in court, citing health issues related to multiple sclerosis. A court-ordered medical assessment rejected his claims, leading to the proceedings continuing without him.
An arrest warrant has been issued for the 63-year-old, and he is banned from entering French territory after serving any potential sentence. This decision stems from the court's ruling on Wednesday evening.
Background on Previous Convictions
Ramadan has a prior conviction in Switzerland for rape and sexual assault, where he was sentenced to three years in prison, with two years suspended. The Swiss supreme court upheld this ruling in 2025.
Before these allegations, Ramadan served as a professor of contemporary Islamic studies at Oxford University and held visiting positions in Qatar and Morocco. He is the grandson of Hassan al-Banna, founder of the Muslim Brotherhood.
Ramadan has denied the allegations but admitted to having contact with the women involved. Critics have accused him of promoting a conservative interpretation of Islam, though he denies ties to extremist groups.
