Tariq Ramadan, the prominent radical Islamic studies scholar, has been cleared of rape and sexual coercion charges by a Swiss court. This case was brought forward by a Swiss woman who accused Mr. Ramadan of assaulting her in a Geneva hotel back in 2008.

The trial has garnered significant attention, given Mr. Ramadan’s stature in the field of Islamic thought and the contrasting allegations against him. 

Tariq Ramadan’s Background

Tariq Ramadan, a Swiss citizen, is the grandson of Hassan al-Banna, the founder of Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood. Known for his academic contributions and influential perspectives on Islam, Mr. Ramadan has been regarded as a “rock star” of radical Islamic thought.

His views have sparked diverse opinions, ranging from regarding him as a moderate liberal Muslim intellectual to labeling him as a disguised radical Islamist.

Ramadan himself identifies as a Salafi reformist, asserting that Salafi reformists engage with the sacred texts of Islam in a dynamic manner, employing reason and rejecting literal interpretations.

However, Ramadan’s characterization of Sayyid Qutb as a Salafi reformist presents a predicament since Qutb is widely recognized as the epitome of a radical Islamist. This discrepancy raises inquiries about Ramadan’s understanding of what truly defines a Salafi reformist and how it informs his political teachings.

Over the years, he has faced several controversies and challenges. In 2004, he was denied a visa to the United States due to alleged links to a militant group.

He was fired as an integration advisor in Rotterdam for hosting a show on an Iranian state television network. Despite these setbacks, Ramadan has consistently defended his involvement with the Iranian government, explaining that he aims to spread his interpretations and foster open discussions on religious and philosophical topics. He describes himself as a reformist Muslim scholar who takes the Quran seriously while considering the contemporary world and its context.

Additionally, Ramadan has faced criticisms regarding his positions on women’s rights, homosexuality, and issues such as stoning and corporal punishment. While acknowledging that Islam, like other major religions, does not accept homosexuality, he emphasizes the importance of respecting individuals despite disagreement.

Concerning punishments mentioned in Islamic texts, he calls for a clear understanding of the conditions and context for their implementation. Ramadan expresses his concerns about their misapplication and the mistreatment of marginalized groups. He vehemently rejects accusations of speaking differently to Western and Muslim audiences, highlighting the bans he has faced from both sides.

Accusations

In 2017, his reputation took a severe blow when he was accused of rape by a French woman, which prompted other women to come forward with similar allegations.

By 2020, Mr. Ramadan was facing five charges of rape, four in France and one in Switzerland. He had spent nine months in detention in France before being released on probation. Throughout this ordeal, he vehemently denied all the charges brought against him, maintaining his innocence.

The Swiss Trial and Verdict

The Swiss case was the first to come to trial, and it carried significant weight in determining Mr. Ramadan’s legal standing. The atmosphere in the Geneva courtroom was tense as the renowned scholar faced a barrage of cameras upon his arrival. The accuser, referred to as Brigitte to protect her identity, requested a screen be put up to shield her from having to directly face the man she claimed had assaulted her.

Brigitte described the alleged attack in detail, recounting a brutal sexual assault accompanied by beatings and insults. She expressed fear for her life during the incident. Mr. Ramadan acknowledged that he had invited her to his hotel room but vehemently denied any acts of violence. He claimed that the accusations against him were politically motivated and intended to discredit him.

During the trial, Mr. Ramadan’s defense lawyer challenged the truthfulness of the accusers, citing inconsistencies regarding the dates of the alleged attacks. Additionally, Mr. Ramadan’s family, including his son Sami, contended that the accusations were driven by ulterior motives and political agendas rather than the pursuit of justice.

After a week’s deliberation, the three Swiss judges rendered their verdict, finding Tariq Ramadan innocent of the charges. This acquittal has sparked discussions about the potential outcomes of the pending cases in France, where prosecutors are still evaluating whether to proceed with charges against him.

Implications and Future Trials

While Mr. Ramadan has been cleared of charges in Switzerland, it is important to note that this might be just the beginning of a series of trials he could face. The French prosecutors are yet to make a final determination regarding the allegations brought against him in France. Tariq Ramadan maintains his innocence in all the cases and remains determined to clear his name.

The trial marked a stark contrast to the career of a man once celebrated as a “rock star” of Islamic thought. Mr. Ramadan, known for his condemnation of terrorism, opposition to the death penalty, and criticism of lack of democracy in certain countries, faced increasing scrutiny and criticism.

Despite being voted one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world in 2004, and becoming a professor of Islamic studies at St. Anthony’s College, Oxford in 2007, Mr. Ramadan had his fair share.