Two French rugby players, Hugo Auradou (20) and Oscar Jegou (21), accused of raping a woman in Argentina, were granted temporary house arrest on Wednesday after a week in detention, according to the prosecutor’s office.
The alleged incident occurred after their team played Argentina in Mendoza. The 39-year-old complainant claims she was violently and repeatedly raped by the pair, who maintain the encounter was consensual.
On Wednesday, the Mendoza public prosecutor’s office allowed their request for house arrest in the city, pending a hearing to decide if they will await trial in custody or as free men. The players will be monitored with electronic bracelets. Shortly after the decision, AFP witnessed the men being transferred from the detention center.
Rafael Cuneo Libarona, the players’ lawyer, called the decision a significant step forward for them and French rugby. French Rugby Federation president Florian Grill stated they had secured a house in Mendoza for the players, with expenses covered by their families.
Natacha Romano, the complainant’s lawyer, said their detention location within Mendoza does not affect the legal process. If convicted, Auradou and Jegou could face up to 20 years in prison.
