Former Senator Joël Guerriau Faces 3-Year Prison Sentence for Drugging Deputy Sandrine Josso

Former senator Joël Guerriau is currently on trial in Paris for allegedly drugging deputy Sandrine Josso with MDMA in 2023, an act prosecutors say was intended to facilitate a sexual assault. The prosecution, led by Benjamin Coulon, has requested a four-year prison sentence for Guerriau, including three years to be served behind bars and one year suspended, along with a five-year ban on his eligibility for public office and registration in the sex offender registry.

The prosecutor emphasized that Guerriau's actions were deliberate and premeditated, pointing out that the former senator had voted for legislation addressing drug-facilitated sexual assault. Despite Guerriau’s claims that the drugging was accidental and denying any intent to harm Josso, the high concentration of MDMA found in Josso’s champagne and her severe intoxication challenge his defense. Josso described experiencing a terrifying reaction, feeling as though she was dying, and sought medical attention after leaving Guerriau’s home. She has since become an advocate against chemical submission.

Guerriau, aged 68, has a clean criminal record and has been recognized for his contributions to French democracy, aspects acknowledged during the trial. However, the prosecution underscored that these factors did not mitigate the gravity and premeditated nature of his actions.

This case highlights the serious legal and societal issues surrounding chemical submission and sexual violence in France, reflecting the judiciary’s increasing attention to crimes involving drug-facilitated assault. The trial underscores ongoing efforts to hold public figures accountable while reinforcing protections against such offenses within French law.