A former French senator has gone on trial in Paris, accused of drugging a fellow politician in order to sexually assault her—a case that has sent shockwaves through French politics.
Joël Guerriau, 68, was a centrist senator for Loire-Atlantique in western France in November 2023 when he allegedly spiked a glass of champagne with MDMA and gave it to Sandrine Josso, a centrist member of parliament.
Josso, 50, reported experiencing heart palpitations, nausea, and difficulty standing, but managed to escape his apartment.
Guerriau, who resigned from the senate last October, is charged with drug use and possession, as well as secretly administering a substance to impair judgment in order to commit rape or sexual assault. He denies any intent to commit rape or assault. His lawyer has previously claimed he served the drink by mistake.
Sandrine Josso outside court in Paris on Monday. Photograph: Thomas Padilla/AP
Josso, a member of parliament for the centrist MoDem party, has since become a prominent voice in France’s fight against drug-facilitated sexual assault. She helped lead a parliamentary inquiry into drug-related sexual crimes and co-authored a report on the issue.
She also joined a campaign group, founded by Caroline Darian, to raise awareness about drug-facilitated abuse. Darian is the daughter of Gisèle Pelicot, who gained international recognition in 2024 after waiving her anonymity during the trial of dozens of men convicted of raping her after she was drugged by her then-husband.
Josso described how Guerriau, whom she had known for years and considered a friend, invited her to celebrate his re-election to the senate. They had planned to meet at a restaurant, but the location was changed to his home. She expected others to be there but found him alone.
Speaking to RTL radio on Monday, she said his behavior seemed odd; she accepted a drink, but he repeatedly proposed toasts to encourage her to drink more.
She recalled, “I noticed the champagne had a strange taste, but I was tired after work. He said to me, ‘You’re barely drinking,’ which annoyed me because I didn’t see why he was pushing me to drink. He went into the kitchen with the glasses—I looked over and saw a sachet next to them. I thought: what is that? Then I had severe palpitations and nausea.”
Josso said she felt as though she might have a heart attack. She managed to use a phone app to order a taxi to the national assembly and, drawing on her “last strength and survival instinct,” left the apartment. A taxi driver and parliamentary colleagues assisted her, and paramedics were called. She later contacted the leader of the lower house, Yaël Braun-Pivet, who helped her file a police report.
The court is expected to review details of Guerriau’s internet search history in the days leading up to the alleged incident.
Drugging someone to commit rape or sexual assault carries a penalty of up to five years in prison. Guerriau also faces up to 10 years for drug possession.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about the case of the former French senator presented in a clear and natural tone
Basic Facts The Incident
1 What exactly happened
A former French senator Jol Guerriau is accused of secretly putting the drug MDMA into the drink of a fellow MP Sandrine Josso at his Paris apartment in November 2023
2 Who are the people involved
The Accused Jol Guerriau a 68yearold former senator from the centreright Horizons party He was expelled from his party after his indictment
The Alleged Victim Sandrine Josso a 48yearold MP from the centrist MoDem party
Other Parties The case is being prosecuted by the French national prosecutors office for crimes against a public official
3 What is MDMA
MDMA is a powerful synthetic drug that acts as both a stimulant and a hallucinogen Its commonly known as a party drug that increases energy pleasure and emotional warmth but it also has significant risks including anxiety paranoia and overheating
4 What was the alleged motive
The exact motive is unclear and will be a key part of the trial The prosecution has suggested a potential sexual motive as they allege Guerriau also had condoms and erectile dysfunction medication at his home Guerriaus defense denies any intent to assault and claims it was an error in judgment
Legal Political Implications
5 What specific charges does he face
He has been charged with several serious crimes
Administering a substance without consent to commit rape or sexual assault
Possession and transport of narcotics
An aggravating circumstance because the alleged victim is a member of parliament
6 Why is this a major scandal in France
Its a major scandal because it involves two highranking elected officials from the presidential majority It raises serious questions about conduct trust and safety within the political establishment The alleged use of a date rape drug scenario makes it particularly shocking
7 What has been the political fallout
Both Guerriau and Jos
