A renowned gynecologist from Tenon hospital in Paris, Emile Daraï, targeted by an investigation for "rape of a minor", "strongly contests the accusations brought against him" by former patients, his lawyer said in a statement on Sunday.

"He will explain it within the framework of the investigations opened by the Paris prosecutor's office, the AP-HP (Public Assistance - Hospitals of Paris) and Sorbonne University", specifies his lawyer, Me Alain Jakubowicz.

Affected by at least two complaints

A specialist in endometriosis, head of the gynecological-obstetrics and reproductive medicine department at Tenon hospital, Emile Daraï is the target of at least two complaints, a judicial source indicated.

The Paris prosecutor's office opened on September 28 a judicial investigation for "rape by person having authority over a minor over 15 years".

The investigations were entrusted to the Brigade for the protection of minors.

The professor "learned from the press that complaints were filed against him for rape, vaginal and rectal examinations without consent, brutal gestures and acts of verbal and psychological abuse."

"He ignores all the facts with which he is overwhelmed", according to his lawyer

"While his name is thrown into the past without the slightest reservation, he ignores all the facts with which he is overwhelmed, under cover of the anonymity of those who denounce them", adds Me Jakubowicz.

"If the complainants' words must be heard, it does not constitute absolute truth or proof," emphasizes the teacher's advice.

Following several testimonies from former patients, the AP-HP and Sorbonne University launched an internal investigation on September 20.

The two institutions announced on Friday that they had "agreed with Professor Émile Daraï his withdrawal from his responsibilities as head of department and educational manager" so that "this investigation can take place in the greatest serenity".

"The situation of Professor Émile Daraï will be re-examined in the light of the conclusions of the internal investigation" expected "before the end of October 2021", they added.

Me Jakubowicz "deplores the fact that, under cover of the right to information, the presumption of innocence and the dignity and honor of a doctor have been violated".

Her "professional skills and (her) involvement in the cause of women, particularly within the National College of French Gynecologists and Obstetricians, have been recognized for more than 35 years," recalls her lawyer.

Justice

Sexual violence: Investigation opened for rape, assault and harassment at CentraleSupélec

Justice

Pedocriminality in the Church: What legal consequences after the Sauvé report?


  • Society

  • Justice

  • Investigation

  • Sexual violence

  • APHP