Gambiaj.com – (PARIS, France) – In an investigation published on December 13, 2024, the French daily Libération unveiled allegations on Juan Branco, Senegal Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko’s French-Spanish lawyer, that have sent shockwaves through Paris’s legal community. Juan Branco, a 35-year-old lawyer renowned for his media presence and controversial stances, faces grave accusations of rape and sexual assault from four women, with incidents allegedly occurring between 2017 and 2021. The four women testified in a hearing held on Friday in Paris.

Branco gained public prominence during the Yellow Vest movement, emerging as a vocal critic of Macron’s government. Known as an advisor to Julian Assange and the author of works like Twilight, which critiques systemic power, he cultivated a public image as a defender of the oppressed and an adversary of the elites.

Disturbing Testimonies

The accounts shared with Libération depict a disturbing pattern of behavior. Marie, one of the first women to come forward, described her encounter with Branco as initially intellectual before devolving into a nightmarish experience. “I was naive, I believed in an intellectual discussion—I didn’t see the drugs,” she shared. She recounted an evening spiraling out of her control, leaving her trapped in a situation she did not choose.

Another alleged victim, Charly, recounted an assault during a film screening in November 2017. After an evening at Mikado, a club in Paris’s 17th arrondissement, she described unwanted advances and attempts at forced kissing. “He tried to kiss her several times on the mouth without warning,” her testimony revealed.

Intimidation and Cyberharassment

The investigation also exposed a troubling tactic used to silence the alleged victims: systematic online harassment. Following their complaints, the women reportedly endured targeted cyberbullying campaigns. Personal photos, private information, and degrading comments were weaponized in an apparent effort to discredit and intimidate them.

“You are never prepared to experience rape,” said one of the women, detailing the dual trauma of the assault and the subsequent cyberbullying. “It’s terrifying to see someone you’ve admired for years turn into a sexual predator in front of you.”

Legal Repercussions and Ongoing Investigations

The seriousness of the accusations prompted swift action from the legal community. In October 2024, the Paris Bar Council issued a three-year suspension of Branco’s practice. Additionally, a judicial investigation is underway under the authority of an examining magistrate.

The testimonies paint a harrowing picture of trauma. Louise, another complainant, recounted fragmented memories and a troubling realization: “I thought about what I had drunk—it didn’t explain my blackout. At that moment, I thought someone had put something in my drink. I think it was him.”

A Systematic Pattern of Abuse

Investigators have noted striking similarities in the victims’ accounts. Many of the alleged incidents began in professional or activist settings before transitioning into one-on-one interactions where boundaries were crossed. The women consistently reported feelings of confusion and powerlessness, often tied to their initial admiration for Branco.

This case unfolds against the backdrop of a broader societal reckoning with sexual violence, particularly in intellectual and activist spheres. It raises critical questions about power dynamics and the weaponization of social media to intimidate victims who speak out.

Juan Branco, who maintains the presumption of innocence, declined to comment on Libération’s findings. His uncharacteristic silence contrasts sharply with his usual media presence, leaving many questions unanswered as the investigation continues. Meanwhile, other potential victims may yet come forward.