House arrest is ‘a statement of trust in them’, says players’ lawyer

Hugo Auradou and Oscar Jegou are under investigation in Argentina for gang rape, for acts dating back to the night of July 6. They were released from prison on Wednesday and placed under house arrest.

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Hugo Auradou and Oscar Jegou were placed in detention in a house rented by their families on Wednesday July 17 in the late afternoon. (PABLO BETANCOURT / AFP)

They are no longer behind bars, but under house arrest. Hugo Auradou and Oscar Jegou, the two French rugby players charged with gang rape, left Mendoza prison in Argentina late Wednesday, July 17. The two athletes were granted house arrest by the Mendoza prosecutor’s office, as requested by their lawyers. The level of evidence reached and the absence of a risk of flight allowed for the authorization of house arrest, according to the prosecutor’s office.

The two rugby players arrived at the house rented by their families on Wednesday around 5:30 p.m. The reunion with their loved ones was full of emotion. “The reaction of the families provoked an impressive emotionsays their lawyer German Hnatow. You have to understand that they traveled more than 12,000 kilometers to come and accompany them in this difficult time.”

“They are convinced of their innocence, so the reunion was very important for the families. Lots of tears, crying, emotion.”

German Hnatow, lawyer for the two rugby players

to franceinfo

To obtain house arrest, lawyers had to demonstrate that Hugo Auradou and Oscar Jegou were not likely to leave the country or hinder the investigation. In just three days, it was done. “We are very happy. The transfer to a private home is not a benefit, it is a rightinsists their lawyer Rafael Cuneo Libarona. It also does not mean that they are innocent or guilty. It is a statement of confidence of justice in them. So, the process continues and we will continue to provide evidence.”

The lawyer for the two players reminds us that the investigation has only just begun. The justice system must still hear witnesses, particularly French players present in neighbouring rooms. It is also necessary to analyse the surveillance cameras and carry out hearing tests in the hotel where they were staying. Hugo Auradou and Oscar Jegou, cThe victim is said to have called for help several times. These investigations will surely help to shed light on what happened that night of July 6.


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