French Judge Allows Public Viewing of Video Evidence in Mass Rape Trial

The decision marks a reversal in the case involving Gisèle Pelicot, whose ex-husband allegedly drugged her to facilitate assaults by dozens of men.

Judge Roger Arata reversed an earlier ruling to keep video evidence private, allowing the public and press to view the footage in court.
Gisèle Pelicot, the victim, has waived her anonymity, advocating for a public trial to highlight the use of drugs in sexual abuse cases.
The trial involves 50 men accused of raping Pelicot over a decade, with videos recorded by her ex-husband serving as crucial evidence.
While some defendants claim ignorance or coercion, the videos are expected to challenge these defenses by showing the nature of the assaults.
The case has sparked national outrage and protests, with Pelicot becoming a symbol in the fight against sexual violence in France.