5 Things To Know About France's 'Tinder Rapist' Trial

France witnesses the commencement of the trial concerning the notorious 'Tinder rapist,' Salim Berrada, who is under scrutiny for serious accusations, stirring widespread discussion online and raising important questions about safety and trust in the digital world. Referred to as the 'Tinder rapist' due to his association with a popular dating app, Berrada faces trial for allegedly abusing his role as a professional photographer to commit acts of sexual assault against unsuspecting women. Here are five key points to grasp about the ongoing trial involving the accused 'Tinder rapist'.

1. Accusations of Sexual Assault and Rape

Salim Berrada, dubbed the "Tinder rapist," stands accused of orchestrating a series of sexual assaults and rapes against multiple women he purportedly enticed through online platforms between 2015 and 2016. The prosecution contends that Berrada exploited his identity as a photographer to lure women into attending modelling photoshoots, only to subject them to horrifying ordeals.

2. Denial and Claims of Consent

Berrada vehemently denies the allegations leveled against him, adamantly asserting that all  sexual encounters were consensual. According to his defense, any assertions of non-consent are merely retrospective regrets expressed by the accusers.  However, the testimonies of the seventeen women who have come forward paint a starkly contrasting picture. These individuals, predominantly in their thirties, recount harrowing experiences of exploitation and abuse, revealing a pattern of predation  meticulously concealed beneath the veneer of professionalism.

3. Prosecution's Allegations of Predatory Behavior

In contrast to Berrada's defense, the prosecution shows a picture of calculated predatory behavior, alleging that the accused meticulously crafted an online persona aimed at manipulating and coercing the survivors. Investigators have found detailed evidence suggesting that, utilizing meticulously curated Excel spreadsheets, he deployed a series of key phrases designed to manipulate and ensnare his targets, exploiting their vulnerabilities and trust with calculated precision.

4. Methodical Approach and Alleged Drugging Incidents

Central to the prosecution's case is the revelation of Berrada's methodical approach, which purportedly involved the use of Excel spreadsheets containing scripted phrases and strategies to allure his targets. Furthermore, survivors have recounted instances of sudden intoxication  and debilitation upon consuming drinks offered by Berrada during these sessions, pointing to the alleged administration of chemical substances. As the effects of the spiked drinks took hold, the  survivors recounted a sudden and alarming shift in Berrada's demeanor, as he callously disregarded their objections and perpetrated unspeakable acts of violence.

5. Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Investigation

Salim Berrada's arrest in 2016 marked the beginning of a protracted legal battle, during which he spent two and a half years behind bars awaiting trial. Despite being released under judicial supervision and prohibited from practicing photography, Berrada once again found himself embroiled in legal proceedings following a fresh wave of complaints in July of the subsequent year.