Rape trial starts of man at centre of Nobel scandal
COPENHAGEN — The man at the centre of a sex-abuse and financial crimes scandal that is tarnishing the academy that awards the Nobel Prize in Literature went on trial in Sweden Wednesday.
Jean-Claude Arnault, a major cultural figure in the country, faces two counts of rape of a woman in 2011 before the Stockholm District Court.
The French citizen is married to poet and member of the Swedish Academy Katarina Frostenson. He has denied the rapes and other sex abuse allegations.
The proceedings, which will include testimonies by the alleged victim and seven witnesses, are being held behind closed doors. Closing remarks are expected Sept. 24. It was not clear when a verdict would be announced.