Trial Begins for Accused in Mass Rape Case

Gisèle Pelicot, a 72-year-old woman, testified in court against her ex-husband Dominique Pelicot and 50 other men accused of raping her over a decade. She accused her attackers of being 'degenerates' and firmly rejected claims of consent, asserting that she was drugged and in a comatose state during the assaults. Dominique Pelicot admitted to drugging her and filming the crimes, and he expressed remorse for his actions, but Gisèle stated, 'forgiveness does not exist.' The trial has sparked widespread protests in France, with Gisèle becoming a symbol for the fight against sexual violence. During her testimony, she condemned the defense lawyers for portraying her as an alcoholic and an accomplice, emphasizing that her life has been destroyed by the abuse. The emotional toll was evident as her daughter Caroline reacted to the harrowing details revealed in court.