France prosecutors seek 18-years sentence for Tariq Ramadan

Tuesday 24 March 2026 - 13:00

French prosecutors have requested an 18-years prison sentence for Tariq Ramadan in a high-profile trial held in Paris. The case, conducted behind closed doors, concerns allegations involving three women and has drawn significant public attention.

According to judicial sources, the prosecution also called for an arrest warrant due to the defendant’s absence from court proceedings. In addition, authorities are seeking a permanent ban from French territory after the completion of any potential sentence.

The accused, a Swiss academic and public speaker, has denied all allegations presented in the French case. The charges relate to incidents that allegedly occurred between 2009 and 2016 in different locations, including Lyon and Paris.

Earlier legal developments in Switzerland add complexity to the case. While he was previously acquitted in one proceeding, other rulings have contributed to ongoing legal scrutiny. Throughout the investigation phase, the defense has repeatedly challenged the process, arguing for further inquiries and presenting new expert analyses that, according to them, support his innocence.

If convicted, Tariq Ramadan faces a sentence of up to 20 years in prison under French law. The court’s final decision is expected after the conclusion of the hearings.