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In this 2001 archive photo, Jean-Claude Arnault appears alongside his wife, Katarina Frostenson. AFP / Jonas EKSTROMER
This September 19th the trial of Jean-Claude Arnault begins in Stockholm. Personality of the world of culture married to a Swedish academician, this French is accused of rape or sexual assault by at least 18 women. But also to have disclosed the name of the future Nobel Prize for Literature, which because of this scandal will not be issued this year.
With our correspondent in Stockholm, Frédéric Faux
In Sweden, at least eighteen women accuse Frenchman Jean-Claude Arnault of rape or sexual assault. Many were unable to go to trial, the facts being prescribed. But for one of them, the Swedish justice considered that it had credible testimony. The victim was allegedly raped twice by Jean-Claude Arnault in 2011.
This sordid affair also hides a mystery. How did this Marseillais, now 71 years old, arrived in Sweden at the age of 22 without any reference, have he managed to become a local figure in the world of the arts? His influence extended to the Academy of Literature which will not award a Nobel Prize this year following the scandal.
Decorated by the Minister of Culture
This eminent position was again recognized in 2015, when he was decorated by the Minister of Culture. He would have abused it to assert his grip on all the young women who passed within his reach.
Since the revelation of his alleged actions in the press last November, Jean-Claude Arnault denies en bloc. The hearings, which will be followed in Sweden, will last until 24 September.