Ex-wife in rape trial says she feels 'humiliated', accuses lawyers of implying complicity

RFI

18 September 2024 at 2:46 pm·1-min read

The ex-wife of a French man on trial for allegedly orchestrating her rape by strangers while she was drugged has spoken out, saying she feels humiliated by the proceedings. She accused some defense lawyers of implying she had been complicit in the assaults.

At the trial of her ex-husband and 50 other men for rape on Wednesday, Gisele Pelicot shared her distress, stating, "from the moment I stepped into this courtroom, I have felt humiliated.

"I've been labeled an alcoholic and accused of being so intoxicated that I became an accomplice to Mr. Pelicot," she continued.

Man accused of enlisting strangers to rape drugged wife goes on trial in France

Dominique Pelicot, 71, has confessed to drugging his then-wife with sedatives to render her unconscious, allowing him and dozens of strangers to rape her for nearly a decade.

The mass trial, which began on 2 September in Avignon, has shocked and horrified France.

Women's rights advocates hope the case will ignite change in a country they argue is deeply rooted in sexism and casual misogyny, where only six percent of reported rape cases lead to prosecution.

Dominique Pelicot admits to rape, acknowledges decade-long sexual abuse of wife

'Rape is rape'

"I am sorry that these remarks hurt and shocked you," he said.

(with AFP)

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'Rape is rape'

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