Prosecutors drop rape accusation probe of French budget minister
A preliminary investigation opened last month after a woman filed a lawsuit accusing budget minister Gérald Darmanin of raping her in 2009 has been dropped after no evidence was found of 'coercion, threat, surprise or violence' the Paris prosecution services announced on Friday.
FrenchFrench investigators have dropped an investigation into rape accusations against President Emmanuel Macron’s budget minister, citing a lack of evidence, reports The Washington Post.
The Paris prosecutor’s office said Friday the investigation was unable to prove a lack of consent, and did not find signs of “coercion, threat, surprise or violence.”
A preliminary investigation was opened last month after the woman filed a lawsuit accusing budget minister Gérald Darmanin of raping her in 2009.
An investigation is ongoing into a separate abuse complaint against Darmanin. He denies wrongdoing.
Macron expressed support for Darmanin and for another government minister accused of rape. Environment minister Nicolas Hulot denied the allegation.
