Hundreds gather in French cities in support of Gisele Pelicot and all rape victims
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A demonstration in support of Gisele Pelicot and all rape victims near the courthouse in Marseille, France, Sept 14.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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PARIS – Hundreds of people, mostly women, gathered in cities around France on Sept 14 in support of Ms Gisele Pelicot, a woman whose husband is on trial,
Feminist associations have called for some 30 gatherings in cities from Marseille to Paris, where on the Place de la Republique banners read “Support to Giselle” or “Shame Must Change Camp” or “Victims We believe you”.
As her extraordinary story ripples through France since the trial began earlier in September, Ms Pelicot, now aged 72, has become a symbol of courage and resilience and of the fight against sexual violence.
It was her decision to forgo a private trial and instead insist on a public trial, due to run until December, to alert the public to sexual abuse and drug-induced blackouts, her lawyers have said.
“We thank her a thousand times for her enormous courage,” feminist militant Fatima Benomar from the Coudes a Coudes (Elbow to Elbow) association told BFM TV, adding that the gatherings were also to pay tribute to all rape victims.
The 71-year-old Dominique Pelicot is accused of repeatedly raping and enlisting strangers
He was initially due to testify this week but was finally excused due to ill health. He is expected to testify on Sept 16, provided he is in condition to do so.
A court sketch showing Dominique Pelicot, who is accused of repeatedly raping and enlisting strangers to abuse his heavily sedated wife.
PHOTO: AFP
In Marseille, where about 200 protesters gathered in front of the Palais de Justice, Ms Lou Salome Patouillard, a 41-year-old artist, said: “I am here to support Gisele and all women as there are many Giseles, too many Giseles.”
Prosecutors said Pelicot offered sex with his wife on a website and filmed the abuse. Fifty other men accused of taking part in the abuse are also on trial.
Ms Gisele Pelicot arriving to attend her husband’s trial in Avignon, France, on Sept 11.
PHOTO: AFP
Pelicot's lawyer, Ms Beatrice Zavarro, has told French media that Pelicot admits to his crimes.
Some of the other defendants have admitted their guilt, while others say they thought the wife had pretended to be asleep and was a consenting participant, according to French media.
They each face up to 20 years in jail if found guilty. REUTERS
