MP Damien Abad, targeted by rape charges, says he is “favorable” to the lifting of his parliamentary immunity

Deputy Damien Abad said to himself “favorable”, Wednesday, May 17, at the lifting of his parliamentary immunity. The former Minister of Solidarity in the government of Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne is accused of rape by three women, whose testimonies had been revealed by Mediapart. An investigation had been opened by the Paris prosecutor’s office on June 27, 2022 for “attempted rape”. The elected representative of Ain had lost his post in favor of a reshuffle on the following July 4.

“I wish to be heard by justice like any other citizen, and this, under any regime whatsoever”, says Damien Abad in a press release. “I have always said that I was at the disposal of justice in order to be able to answer the questions of the investigators. I will defend myself relentlessly in order to prove my innocence and clear my honor.”

Immunity protects parliamentarians from any coercive measure – police custody or judicial review – but does not prevent indictments. The office of the National Assembly, the highest collegiate body, should decide soon on his regime, following a request from the courts that the deputy supports.