French Protests Support Gisèle Pélicot in Landmark Rape Trial

Demonstrations highlight Pélicot's bravery in confronting her alleged rapists and the broader issue of sexual violence in France.

Gisèle Pélicot faces 51 alleged rapists in a public trial, after her ex-husband admitted to drugging her and facilitating the assaults.
Protests occurred in Paris and other French cities, with participants praising Pélicot's courage and denouncing the French justice system's handling of sexual violence.
Pélicot chose to keep the trial public, a decision that has drawn widespread admiration and sparked national and international discussions on sexual violence.
Demonstrators carried placards with messages like 'Shame must change sides' and 'Stop the denial,' emphasizing the need for societal and judicial change.
The trial, which began on September 2 and is expected to continue until December, sees defendants aged 26 to 74, many of whom deny the charges, claiming manipulation by Pélicot's ex-husband.