The trial of Dominique Pélicot and 50 other men accused of rape is set to resume on Tuesday after Pélicot was declared well enough to attend court. The trial was postponed last week when the 71-year-old retired electrician, who confessed to drugging his wife, Gisèle, and allowing up to 90 men to rape her while unconscious, was hospitalized with a urine infection and prostate issues.
On Monday, two court-appointed medical experts examined Pélicot, and his lawyer, Béatrice Zavarro, confirmed that he would be present for the proceedings, albeit with accommodations such as shorter hearing sessions to accommodate his health. The trial, which is expected to last four months, could have faced indefinite delays if Pélicot were deemed too ill to attend.
Gisèle Pélicot, now 72, has become a symbol for rape survivors throughout France, with hundreds rallying in her support over the weekend. Protesters carried posters with her image and the phrase “Shame changes sides,” emphasizing that male perpetrators should bear the shame instead of female victims. She has been lauded for her bravery in demanding the trial be held publicly, rejecting a request from defense lawyers for a closed hearing.
In a statement outside the court, Gisèle expressed gratitude to those who have supported her throughout her ordeal. She dedicated her fight to victims of sexual violence worldwide, urging them to recognize that they are not alone.
Her lawyer, Stéphane Babonneau, added that she felt strengthened by the public support and hoped her message would reach other victims of abuse, encouraging them to seek help and solidarity.
The case came to light after Dominique Pélicot was arrested in 2020 for filming up the skirts of women in a supermarket. It was only then that Gisèle learned of her husband’s actions, which spanned more than a decade. Many of the men accused of participating in the rapes have denied knowledge of her unconscious state, claiming they were deceived by Pélicot. The group of accused men includes individuals from various professions, including a local councillor, a firefighter, and a former police officer.
Despite the delays caused by Pélicot’s health issues, Babonneau expressed frustration with the prison system’s handling of his treatment, suggesting that the delay could have been avoided. He warned that further postponements would be devastating for the legal process and for Gisèle, whose emotional and physical strength has already been tested.
As the trial progresses, critical evidence, including video footage of the assaults, and the interrogation of Dominique Pélicot will be presented. Babonneau also criticized the courthouse’s security, describing a distressing moment when Gisèle had to wait in line alongside the men accused of raping her. He commended her strength, calling her an even more remarkable woman than she appears.
