Six new defendants take the stand in France's Pelicot mass rape trial
The mass rape trial that has shaken France on Monday moved into its fourth week by hearing the cases against six new defendants. Among them was Joan K., who was 22 at the time of the alleged assaults, suspected of raping Gisèle Pelicot on two occasions under the guidance of her then husband Dominique, who drugged her unconscious and filmed her sexual abuse by dozens of strangers for nearly a decade.
A French court on Monday began hearing the cases against six new defendants as the mass rape trial that has sparked horror in the country moved into its fourth week.
Dominique Pelicot, who has admitted to the allegations, is accused of enlisting dozens of strangers to rape his drugged wife over nearly a decade.
The 71-year-old has been on trial since the start of the month along with 50 other men aged between 26 and 74, many of whom have denied the accusations -- including one who is alleged to have raped his own wife.
On Monday, Pelicot was in court in the southeastern French city of Avignon, but he was not due to speak until later this week.
His former wife Gisele Pelicot, 71, arrived in court to applause from the public, who once again turned out in large numbers to watch the proceedings.
Read more on FRANCE 24 English
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