From Tinder to Prison: The Trial of the ‘Tinder Rapist’

In a Paris court, Salim Berrada, also known as the ‘Tinder rapist’, has been given a prison sentence of nineteen years. He is accused of raping or sexually assaulting approximately seventeen women between 2014 and 2016. The 38-year-old photographer met his victims through dating apps, including Tinder.

The public prosecutor on Thursday described Berrada as an “insatiable egocentric hunter” and demanded a strict sentence. The maximum prison sentence for rape is twenty years. However, Berrada himself continues to deny that he has abused women. According to him, the relationships were consensual and some claims were completely fabricated. He will be given the floor one last time on Friday, after which a statement is expected.

Since the trial began, civil parties, many of them young women in their twenties, have shown up in large numbers to support the victims and demand justice. The case has gained significant public attention, with many people closely following the proceedings. The court is expected to deliver a final verdict soon, and the outcome will likely have implications for future cases involving sexual assault and rape facilitated through online platforms.

The impact of this trial on online dating safety and the responsibility of dating apps in screening users will also be discussed in the coming days. As technology continues to evolve, it’s important for dating apps to take steps to ensure that their users are safe and protected from harm. This trial serves as a reminder that sexual assault can happen anywhere, even on popular dating platforms like Tinder.