Islamic theologian Tariq Ramadan freed on bail in French rape case

Prominent Islamic theologian Tariq Ramadan, who is facing two potential rape charges, was granted bail on Thursday by a French court, a judicial source said.

The Swiss-born scholar has been held in detention since February, accused of one count of rape and another count of rape of a vulnerable person. He has vigorously denied the charges.

Ramadan will have to pay bail of 300,000 euros and will be banned from leaving France or contacting the plaintiffs, the source said.

Ramadan took leave from his position as professor of contemporary Islamic studies in Britain's Oxford University last year after French prosecutors launched a preliminary investigation.

Ramadan is popular with many pious younger European Muslims of immigrant origins and has argued for an approach to Islam adapted to life in Europe. But he has come under attack, particularly in France, from secularists who accuse him of being a stalking horse for political Islamism.    (dpa)