High-profile trial: Christophe Ruggia faces five-year sentence

Christophe Ruggia has been standing trial since Monday before the Paris Criminal Court for sexually assaulting actress Adèle Haenel when she was between 12 and 14 years old. The trial unfolded in a tense atmosphere, drawing widespread attention.

The prosecutor highlighted the unwavering consistency of Adèle Haenel’s testimony, contrasting it with Christophe Ruggia’s vague and inconsistent statements. A five-year prison sentence was requested, including two years of firm imprisonment to be served under house arrest. The prosecution also demanded that Ruggia be prohibited from contacting Adèle Haenel and be registered in the sex offenders’ database.

A clear and consistent account
“Adèle Haenel has attended every hearing. For five years, her testimony has been clear and consistent. She has told the same story in the Mediapart article, before the investigating judge, to the investigators, during confrontations, and to the expert psychologist,” the prosecutor stated.

By contrast, she criticized Ruggia’s version of events: “I still don’t understand what happened on those Saturday afternoons. And I’ve studied this case for five years. Yet, the behavior of this man, with a teenager 24 years his junior, remains incomprehensible.”

“Responsibility of an adult”
“The sentence is necessary to place the blame where it belongs. Adèle Haenel is the victim. Mr. Ruggia made the deliberate choice to sexually assault her. He was the adult in this situation,” the prosecutor emphasized.

She concluded by underlining the essential role of justice: “Justice is here to set things right and to offer a lifeline for those who have no other recourse.”

The trial has captivated public attention, and the court’s decision is expected to have significant repercussions in the ongoing conversation about accountability and justice in cases of sexual violence.