Two rape allegations have been filed against Chrysoula Zozaropoulou, Secretary for State for Development, Francophonie, and International Partnerships.
The Paris prosecutor's Office has opened an investigation.
Marianne, the weekly, revealed that the alleged acts were committed within the context of his job as a gynecologist.
France information indicates that the Secretary-of-State notably performed his duties as a physician at the Trousseau and Tenon hospitals in Paris under the supervision of Professor Emile Darai. He was also the subject of a criminal investigation and accused of rape by 25 of his patients.
According to the prosecution, the first complaint denying acts of rape was filed May 25, and the investigation began two days later. Marianne, citing an anonymous source, says that the second complaint would have been filed in 2016. It would have involved "in a medical setting" in 2016, and it would concern an adult woman.
Jade (first name change), a third woman now 26 and living in Paris, said to AFP Wednesday that she had consulted Chrysoula Zozaropoulou about endometriosis issues, including the 46-year-old Franco Greek gynecologist. His specialty.
The appointment was made with Chrysoula Zozaropoulou because of her fame and because she is a woman. It took place in 2016, at the time, in the presence a male medical student. Jade claims that the gynecologist "forced" her intern to see Jade.
Jade stated, "She felt uncomfortable, and he didn't feel the same way. My body was tight, blocked, and he felt it." Then, it was her turn. I understood her words and she said to me: "You will have to open." He is not me. She tried, tried, but she was not happy. I was nervous, tense, and stuck." she stated.
According to the young woman, she didn't recall if the gynecologist had asked her permission before she examined her. This is something that a growing number practitioners are doing today.
Jade, who claims she was subject to the event "at most as a sexual assault", is not yet filing a complaint. She said that she thought no one would believe her, but she is now "reluctant" and she will file a complaint.
Chrysoula Zacharopoulou was born in Sparta. She studied in Italy and then went on to practice in France at the Begin military hospital (Val-de-Marne), then at the Hopitaux de Paris, notably in Tenon. Under investigation for rape allegations, in the care of Professor Emile Darai.
When AFP asked the AP-HP, it replied that it hadn't heard of any complaint or report regarding Dr Chrysoula Zigarouou. The AP-HP stated that the CHU established a commission to investigate the allegations against Professor Emile Darai at the end September 2021. It also noted that "particular attention" was given to the processing and reporting of patient complaints.
This specialist in endometriosis was elected to the European Parliament in 2019, on the Renaissance List. She notably served on the Committee on Women's Rights.
She organized the Paris first anti-endometriosis march in March 2014.
Chrysoula Zigaropoulou joined government in May as Secretary for State for Development, La Francophonie and International Partnerships. She was attached to the Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs.
AFP reached out to the Quai d’Orsay but they did not respond immediately.
Many ministers are currently under investigation for sexual violence.
Recently, Damien Abad, Minister of Solidarity was charged with rape. Paris' prosecutor has stated that they are not opening a preliminary probe "as it is".
These accusations have provoked criticism and mobilisation, especially within feminist movements.
