French prosecutors are investigating rape allegations against a member of the government who used to work as a gynaecologist.

Chrysoula Zacharopoulou was named secretary of state for development last month and is now accused of performing gynaecological exams on two women without their consent.

The first rape complaint was submitted on 25 May and the second on 16 June, said the Paris prosecutor’s office.

She has not yet commented publicly on the allegations.

Details of the claims are yet to be disclosed, but French media said Ms Zacharopoulou, 46, was accused of penetration without consent.

Rape is defined in French law as any act of penetration by violence, threat, coercion, or surprise.

Newly appointed disabilities minister Damien Abad has also been accused of rape by two women. He denies the claims and has said he has no intention of resigning.

Emmanuel Macron admits ‘deep divisions’ in France as he scrambles to avoid political deadlock after election results

Burkinis not allowed in public swimming pools in French city, top court rules

France: Kitesurfer killed and several people injured after ‘mini-tornado’ hits beach

Interior minister Gerald Darmanin was also accused of rape several years ago. He denied the accusations, and prosecutors have asked for the case to be dropped.

The latest claims will be an unwelcome distraction for President Emmanuel Macron as he tries to deal with the bitter blow of his party losing its parliamentary majority at the weekend.

Related posts:

Indian activist arrested ‘illegally’ over farmers protest support UK sanctions three Myanmar generals after military coup Baguette to battle for cultural protection as bakers warn of ‘imposter’ threat UN asks for proof that missing Dubai princess is alive Towns cut off and 18,000 people evacuated as downpours intensify in Australia Five people missing and ‘extreme threat’ declared after explosion at German industrial park North Korea restores communications hotline with South after a year EU regulator authorises Pfizer COVID jab for children aged five to 11 Russia gave the order to clear Chernobyl – now Ukraine hopes it won’t be used to invade Israeli president urges more countries to join Abraham Accords during visit to United Arab Emirates One million refugees have fled Ukraine and some mothers are leaving children at border to go and fight – UNHCR PM orders ministers to do ‘everything in their power’ to help free Britons on Russian death row