Accused Oxford professor takes leave

An Oxford University professor and government adviser is taking “leave of absence” amid a series of allegations about sexual misconduct.

Prof Tariq Ramadan was accused of rape last month by a French feminist author. He has denied the allegation and said he will sue for libel.

This week he faced accusations from four Swiss women who say he made sexual advances to them when they were teenagers in Geneva. He denies the allegations.

Last night Oxford University said that the leave of absence implied no presumption or acceptance of guilt.