Philenews

Former French Senator on Trial for Drugging and Assaulting a Colleague

Published January 26, 2026, 17:12
Former French Senator on Trial for Drugging and Assaulting a Colleague

A serious scandal is rocking France with the start of the trial of former Senator Joël Guerriau, who is accused of rape and sexual assault. According to the indictment, Guerriau allegedly spiked champagne with ecstasy and offered it to a Member of Parliament, Sandrine Josso, with the intent to rape her. The MP reported feeling unwell and experiencing palpitations after consuming the champagne and realized she had been drugged. Guerriau denies the charges, claiming the drink was given by mistake. The incident has sparked widespread outrage, and Josso has become a spokesperson for the fight against sexual assaults involving drugs. The charge of administering drugs with the intent to commit rape carries a penalty of up to five years in prison.