Paris (France), 26 January (LaPresse/AP) – A former French senator is on trial on charges of drugging a female colleague in parliament in order to abuse her. Joel Guerriau, 68, is accused of putting MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy, in a glass of champagne he served to MP Sandrine Josso in November 2023. Guerriau has admitted to serving her a drink containing the drug, but claims it was an accident. Josso has since been very vocal about the case and has helped lead a parliamentary inquiry into drug-related crimes. The trial, which began today and will last two days, brings to mind the case of Gisele Pelicot, which shook France. Guerriau is accused of drug use and possession, and of secretly administering a perception-altering substance to commit rape or sexual assault. According to Josso, the senator invited her to his flat in Paris for what she thought was a celebration of his re-election. The MP had known Guerriau for years and considered him a friend. Speaking to the French media, Josso said she began to feel ill immediately after drinking champagne.
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