Protests Erupt in France Over Pelicot Trial

Thousands of protesters, predominantly women, gathered across France to support Gisèle Pelicot, who is currently on trial, alleging that her husband drugged her and facilitated the rapes of her by 51 men over nearly a decade. The demonstrations highlighted a broader call to action against gender-based violence and the perceived inadequacies of the justice system in handling such cases, drawing comparisons to Spain's 'La Manada' case. Pelicot, now 72, has chosen to waive her anonymity, becoming a symbol of resilience in the fight against sexual abuse, and has openly shared her harrowing experience in court. The trial, which began on September 2, has attracted national attention, with Pelicot's husband admitting to some charges while denying others, and many defendants claiming ignorance of her condition during the assaults. Activists emphasized the need for societal change regarding the handling of rape cases, as they condemned the patriarchal culture embedded within law enforcement and judicial processes. The public's support for Pelicot has galvanized discussions on victim rights and the fight against impunity in sexual violence cases.