Women alleging rape and sexual assault in France call to abolish statute of limitations
Summary
More than 50 women in France who say they were sexually assaulted or raped are asking the government to remove the time limits for reporting these crimes. Currently, French law allows victims to report sexual assault within 20 years for adults and 30 years for minors, but these limits have stopped many from pursuing legal action.Key Facts
- The women have formed a group called Survivors' Voices to push for ending the statute of limitations on sexual violence cases in France.
- The current law gives adults 20 years and minors 30 years to report sexual assault or rape to police.
- Some accused in these cases include Jeffrey Epstein, Jean-Luc Brunel (a model agent), and businessman Mohammed Al Fayed.
- Jean-Luc Brunel died by suicide in prison while awaiting trial for rape and trafficking minors.
- Lisa Brinkworth, a former BBC producer, says she was sexually assaulted during an undercover investigation and her case was dismissed because of the 20-year limit.
- Brinkworth is appealing to the European Court of Human Rights and says the BBC has not fully supported her by withholding evidence.
- The BBC says it provided materials to French authorities and denies trying to silence Brinkworth.
- Legal efforts to reopen some cases have been blocked due to the statute of limitations.
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