AVIGNON, France (AP) — Hundreds of individuals gathered Saturday within the southern French city of Avignon forward of the decision in a trial during which dozens of males are accused of raping Gisèle Pelicot whereas she was drugged and rendered unconscious by her husband.
The court docket is predicted to ship its verdicts by Dec. 20 within the trial of 51 defendants. Last month, prosecutors requested the panel of judges for the most attainable penalty for aggravated rape — 20 years — in opposition to the sufferer’s now ex-husband, Dominique Pelicot, 72.
Gisèle Pelicot, 71, has change into an icon for these preventing in opposition to sexual violence. She testified through the proceedings in regards to the harrowing occasions, which have sparked widespread public consideration.
Outside the courth, demonstrators held placards with messages comparable to, “Victims, we imagine you, rapists we see you,” and, “Shame adjustments sides.”
One giant banner displayed on a wall learn: “Rape has no nationality.” Elsewhere, activists posted notes with “Gentle phrases for Gisèle” on a fence.
Activist Marine Thebaud, who’s a member of the Family Planning affiliation, mentioned: “We hope that justice will probably be as much as the acts dedicated in opposition to Gisèle, that impunity will finish and that individuals will probably be punished. We’re right here to point out assist for all victims of patriarchal violence.”
Alain Souberan mentioned he joined the gathering as a result of his companion “is a satisfied feminist who sings within the Avignon feminist choir.”
“Personally, I actually assist this motion. I feel males have their place as supporters too,” he mentioned.
The trial, which began in September, has drawn consideration past France, with Pelicot’s braveness in going through her accusers remodeling her into a logo for victims of sexual violence.
