French Muslim Journalist Myriam Francois recently published a short report on the BBC regarding Oxford professor, Tariq Ramadan’s case. Linking it to the #MeToo movement on the back end of last year being largely characterized by the many reports surfacing from a number of women who had been sexually assaulted by men who are leaders in their respective industries.

Watch my latest report with @m_madi on the sexual assault allegations against Tariq Ramadan over @BBCWorld https://t.co/6sLI5B7jCp #tariqramadan #metoo

— Dr Myriam François (@MyriamFrancoisC) September 18, 2018

The report illustrated some intricacies of the case thus far, including an interview from Tariq Ramadan’s son, Sami Ramadan and a documented open letter of support from academics who stand by his right for due process such as, Aminata Traore, Noam Chomsky, and Ken Loach.

“It is not for us to judge Tariq Ramadan’s guilt or innocence but we respectfully ask has Mr. Ramadan, has a fair and equitable legal process, one in which he is assumed innocent until proven guilty? Is there one form of justice for Muslims in France, and one for everywhere else?”

The report descends as a few personal slights are made about Ramadan’s character, as Francois references how he admits to having extramarital affairs, “this was a man with a squeaky-clean image who lectured on how to live as a good Muslim and that definitely means no sex outside of marriage.” This is followed by the journalist asking, “do you think what your dad has done is wrong?”  to Sami Ramadan, the academic’s son, who said, ” I think every human being does things that are wrong, yes I know my dad makes mistakes the same way I make mistakes, the way every human being makes mistakes, this is not what this story is about, its about a crime, and I believe he did not commit this crime.”

Many online users had split opinions on the documentary, due to what they felt was Francois’ lack of impartiality as a journalist, using her privileges to navigate the Muslim community to gain the trust of the Ramadan family. By creating a focus on the professor’s character in the context of how good or bad a Muslim he is, which was presented with the absence of a report on the extreme neglect, from French authorities, of his basic human rights, leading to a dramatic decline in his health without access to medication for his Multiple Sclerosis. The professor’s illness has worsened considerably since being put in isolation.  Ramadan has still been prevented from the right to a fair trial, with due process. However, after some probing of the prosecutor for Ramadan’s case in the report, the courts replied with “the expert himself has declared that his state of health is compatible with his detention.” There was also speculation about the report not unpacking the intricacies of the case regarding the plaintiff Hind Ayari who had changed her story a number of times. Many felt, due to this, it was largely impartial.

Maryam Ramadan, his daughter told us, “We are shocked by the BBC World Service coverage of the Tariq Ramadan’s case. The journalist, Myriam François, abused Ramadan family’s trust on three essential accounts:

1. She did not mention the contradictions, the lies and the troubling links between the plaintiffs.

2. She cut and deliberately quoted my brother, Sami Ramadan’s responses out of context.

3. One of the plaintiff’s lawyer was interviewed while the responses of Tariq Ramadan’s lawyer (whom she interviewed for an hour) were completely dropped from the coverage.

It is disturbing to see the BBC descend to journalism “à la française”. So biased, so disappointing. Nonetheless, we are heartened to receive a huge amount of support from all quarters highlighting the gross neglect of due process in this case.”

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Here is how Twitter reacted

Can I ask about the inclusion of the “squeaky clean persona” Vs the affairs? It’s not how “good of a Muslim” he is thats up for judgment. It’s his right to a fair trial and treatment as held to international standards. Thought that was an odd thing to include

— Rumana (@lil_pomegranate) September 18, 2018

True in the long term for if/when he gets released/post-trial and his career/position in the future. But the context of the report seemed to be talking about the case now which is why I struggle to see the relevance, and not see it framed as “he had affairs->he’s a bad person”

— Rumana (@lil_pomegranate) September 19, 2018

Awful report. You obviously have a personal agenda and deliberately made him appear guilty without mentioning his failing health as well as his incarceration without any process or fair hearing. Shameful opportunism.

— Naveed (@Seditious_medic) September 18, 2018

Brilliantly done! A balanced piece with important questions. Thank you, Myriam

— Amanullah De Sondy (@desondy) September 18, 2018

Dear Myriam, shaming Tariq Ramadan was unnecessary. His affairs are his private matters, what the campaign asks for is his right to #dueprocess. The French justice system is mistreating him by not giving him his fundamental rights incl. adequate medical care & access to his mail.

— Hanne Büşra (@curieBosphorus) September 18, 2018

I'm also disappointed that his extramarital affairs can be framed as "mistakes" i think that reflects alot on the blind eye we turn to our muslim men who do similar things. I can only pray that justice for all is the best thing.

— Fatimah Mohamied (@GeekFatimah) September 20, 2018

I'm absolutely gutted he had extramarital affairs. But my disappointment is blunted by the awareness that he wasn't the first or the last who has disappointed. Always look to Allah and not the leaders. But it's such a shame that a man who spoke inspiring words has committed sin.

— Fatimah Mohamied (@GeekFatimah) September 20, 2018

I watched the report – it was heavy viewing but necessary. Many of us have been horrified about how the French state has dealt with this case. It's deeply politicised, it's deeply racialised.
(1/2)

— Zainab (@ZaiNoted) September 19, 2018

But public image and extra-marital affairs context can't be dismissed. Glad you asked the son – who implied they were "mistakes". Thousands looked up to him and expected better. Not criminal law, but still highlights something quite sinister about hypocrisy in our circles. (2/2)

— Zainab (@ZaiNoted) September 19, 2018

I'm absolutely gutted he had extramarital affairs. But my disappointment is blunted by the awareness that he wasn't the first or the last who has disappointed. Always look to Allah and not the leaders. But it's such a shame that a man who spoke inspiring words has committed sin.

— Fatimah Mohamied (@GeekFatimah) September 20, 2018

I'm absolutely gutted he had extramarital affairs. But my disappointment is blunted by the awareness that he wasn't the first or the last who has disappointed. Always look to Allah and not the leaders. But it's such a shame that a man who spoke inspiring words has committed sin.

— Fatimah Mohamied (@GeekFatimah) September 20, 2018

.@BBCNews’ choice of title could’ve been better but this clip by @MyriamFrancoisC about #metoo & Prof Tariq Ramadan is gripping. Sexual predators exist in all walks of life but this case is tangled with accusations of racism. https://t.co/ZX5Vk3fk6K

— Dr Zubaida Haque (@Zubhaque) September 18, 2018

The first plaintiff has a history of being lying and was contradicted by her own friend as she changed the story many times.
Let's see for the others.

— Zohaib Maqsood ✳️✳️ (@zmphotography12) September 18, 2018

The whole point of #MeToo was to give historically abused victims voice, power & recourse to justice. The issue here is not whether the victims should be believed or not; the issue is that racism may jeopardise the case & deny justice to victims #TariqRamadan

— Dr Zubaida Haque (@Zubhaque) September 18, 2018

The first plaintiff has a history of being lying and was contradicted by her own friend as she changed the story many times.
Let's see for the others.

— Zohaib Maqsood ✳️✳️ (@zmphotography12) September 18, 2018

.@MyriamFrancoisC Your report is excellent & it sends a strong message to people who have abused their profession position. We need more women to speak out in the UK, esp in the #AsianMedia & culture industry where #MeToo is also happening & women are remaining quiet. #honour

— Dawinder Bansal FRSA (@DawinderBansal) September 20, 2018

Found this difficult to watch for so many reasons..really well done to @MyriamFrancoisC and the team for providing a multi-dimensional insight. Final Q to son is a crucial one. If @TariqRamadan is on trial by the media – France's legal system is on trial too..#METOO

— nadeem murtuja (@nadeem_murtuja) September 18, 2018

reporting facts , neutral perspective, job well done esp when so many distortions r being presented #TariqRamadan

— SA (@sabmq) September 20, 2018