Moroccans Protest Jacques Bouthier’s Release, Call for Justice

Protesters gathered in front of the French embassy in Rabat on Friday to protest the bail release of French millionaire Jaques Bouthier, who had been detained since May 2022 after a series of rape charges were filed by Moroccan women.

Rabat – Protesters gathered in front of the French embassy in Rabat on Friday to protest the bail release of French millionaire Jaques Bouthier, who had been detained since May 2022 after a series of rape charges were filed by Moroccan women.

French news outlet Le Monde reported that the protesters–mostly women–held up signs that read: “No to the protection of rapists,” “French justice violates the rights of victims of sexual abuse” or “The temporary release of a rapist threatens the victims.”

The former CEO of the insurance company Assu was released on March 20 after being bailed out for €500,000.

The court ruled that Bouthier’s release was only temporary because he needed to get the right medical treatment as he was suffering from “malnutrition.”

The case started when a 22-year-old woman of Moroccan origin filed a complaint against Bouthier in Paris in March 2022.

The woman testified that Bouthier held her captive for five years and repeatedly raped her.

In July 2022, More women came forward with sexual harassment claims against Bouthier, bringing the number of Moroccan victims to seven.

The former CEO is facing charges of human trafficking, sexual harassment, assault, and verbal violence. He was previously arrested in France for human trafficking and raping a minor. A preliminary investigation in May found him and four others guilty of sexual misconduct.