Demonstrators rally across France in support for mass rape victim Gisèle Pelicot

People gather to take part in a protest against sexual violence, in Paris, France on October 19, 2024.

Demonstrators gathered across France on Saturday to show their support for mass rape victim Gisèle Pelicot whose ongoing trial saw her ex-husband as well as some 50 defendants – aged from 26 to 74 – take the stand. The 72-year-old has been widely praised for her bravery in facing her alleged rapists and for making the hearings public to highlight the persistent scourge of violence against women in France.

Women and men demonstrated together Saturday in Paris and other French cities in support of Gisèle Pelicot and against sexual violence highlighted by the harrowing trial of her ex-husband and dozens of other men being prosecuted for rapes while she was drugged and unconscious.

The demonstrations outside Paris' criminal court, in the southeastern city of Lyon and elsewhere underscored how Pelicot's courage in speaking out about her ordeal is inspiring people in France and beyond, even as they've been horrified by the scale and brutality of the abuse she suffered over the course of a decade.

Since the Sept. 2 beginning of the extraordinary trial, during which Pelicot has faced 51 of her alleged rapists, she has been praised for her composure and decision to keep the hearings public — after the court initially suggested that they be held behind closed doors.

“She has decided to make this an emblematic trial,” said Elsa Labouret, one of the Paris demonstrators and a spokesperson for the women’s group “Osez le féminisme!” (Dare to be feminist!)

He said he regards Gisèle Pelicot as an icon.


Read more on FRANCE 24 English

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