:quality(85)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/infobae/4M2OIPGREJCKFJ2VGTOZOGQIJI.jpg "They asked for 19 years in prison for “the Tinder rapist” in France")
The Prosecutor’s Office in Paris has called for a 19-year prison sentence against Salim Berrada, known as the “rapist of Tinder,” for allegedly raping or sexually assaulting 17 women between 2014 and 2016. The trial opened on Monday, and the Paris court is set to hand down its sentence on Friday night.
The attorney general, Philippe Courroye, described Berrada as an “insatiable self-centered hunter” who attracted victims to his home through dating applications. Despite the severity of the allegations, the defendant denies all the charges brought against him.
Courroye emphasized the “extreme dangerousness” of the accused, labeling him as a “hunter” addicted to sex and predation. Investigators have identified a pattern in Berrada’s strategy, using his reputation as a photographer to lure women. Detailed Excel sheets were used to meticulously plan and execute his scheme, promising photo sessions to his victims.
Upon arrival for the modeling sessions, the women reported feeling abnormally fast drunkenness and sudden weakness after accepting a drink from Berrada. This, coupled with a change in his demeanor, led to objections from the victims as he allegedly forced himself on them.
Berrada had previously spent two and a half years in prison awaiting trial before being released under judicial supervision. However, he was imprisoned again last July following new complaints of rape and sexual assault. The investigation into these new allegations is ongoing.
The complainants in the case have bravely shared their stories, with some unable to attend the trial due to the emotional toll. The prosecutor’s passionate plea for justice echoes the sentiment that Berrada must be held accountable for the devastation caused to the lives of his victims. (With information from AFP).