The trial of Dominique Pélicot, accused of facilitating the rape of his wife by up to 90 men, is set to continue after a brief delay due to his health concerns. Pélicot, a 71-year-old retired electrician, had been hospitalized for a urine infection and prostate problems.
After medical experts confirmed his condition, the court agreed to proceed with the trial under special conditions, allowing breaks to accommodate his health needs. The trial had been adjourned temporarily to assess his ability to participate, and now it will resume as scheduled.
Gisèle Pélicot, the 72-year-old wife of Dominique, has garnered widespread public support, becoming a symbol of strength for victims of sexual violence in France. Hundreds gathered over the weekend to show solidarity with her, holding posters and banners that emphasized shifting the shame onto the accused perpetrators.
Trial of Dominique Pélicot Resumes as Wife Fights for Justice Amidst Public Support and Legal Delays
Gisèle has been applauded for her insistence on having the trial held publicly, resisting the defense’s attempts to keep the proceedings behind closed doors. Her public statement expressed gratitude to those who stood by her, acknowledging that the support has empowered her to continue fighting for victims of abuse.
The trial involves 50 men, in addition to Dominique Pélicot, who have been charged with raping Gisèle while she was drugged and unconscious. The accused men, aged between 26 and 73, come from various professions, including a local councilor, a journalist, and a former police officer. Many were neighbors of the Pélicots in their small town of Mazan, near Avignon.
Some of the defendants have claimed that they were unaware of Gisèle’s lack of consent, suggesting that Dominique Pélicot deceived them. Despite these claims, police have been unable to trace over 30 other men filmed during the assaults.
Pélicot’s lawyer criticized the delay in medical treatment provided by prison authorities, suggesting that the trial disruption could have been avoided if he had been treated earlier. The defense had expressed frustration that Pélicot’s complaints of illness were ignored for several days, potentially risking further postponement of the trial.
Meanwhile, Gisèle’s lawyer underscored the anxiety surrounding the trial’s slow progress, as key evidence and the interrogation of the accused had yet to be presented. The delays have added additional strain to an already difficult situation for Gisèle and the legal team.
An incident on Monday highlighted the emotional toll on Gisèle, as she was forced to wait in line with her alleged rapists at the courthouse. Her lawyer quickly intervened, expressing disbelief that such a situation was allowed to happen.
Despite these challenges, Gisèle has shown remarkable resilience, drawing from her inner strength to face the ordeal. Her lawyer praised her courage, noting that she has demonstrated even more fortitude than many had expected throughout this harrowing process.
