May 09, 2016 - 9:11 AM
PARIS - A French lawmaker has resigned as vice-president of the lower house of parliament because of allegations of sexual harassment and sexual assault.
Denis Baupin denies any misconduct. He resigned to be able to ensure his defence, his lawyer said in a statement Monday.
Four women have denounced 53-year-old green politician's behaviour to reporters from France Inter radio and investigative website Mediapart.
Sandrine Rousseau, spokeswoman of the green party, EELV, said Baupin put his hands on her breasts and tried to kiss her by force in 2011.
Green lawmaker Isabelle Attard says she suffered "almost daily" harassment through explicit text messages in 2012 and 2013.
The Associated Press generally does not identify victims or alleged victims of sexual abuse, but both women decided to speak publicly.
News from © The Associated Press, 2016