France: Hundreds of activists rally ahead of Gisèle Pelicot rape trial verdict
Hindustan TimesHundreds of people gathered Saturday in the southern French town of Avignon ahead of the verdict in a trial in which dozens of men are accused of raping Gisèle Pelicot while she was drugged and rendered unconscious by her husband. Gisele Pelicot poses for a photograph in Avignon on October 23, 2024, during the trial of her former partner accused of drugging her for nearly ten years and inviting strangers to rape her at their home in the small southern town of Mazan. Outside the court, demonstrators held placards with messages such as, “Victims, we believe you, rapists we see you,” and, “Shame changes sides.” One large banner displayed on a wall read: “Rape has no nationality.” Elsewhere, activists posted notes with “Gentle words for Gisèle” on a fence. The trial, which started in September, has drawn attention beyond France, with Pelicot’s courage in facing her accusers transforming her into a symbol for victims of sexual violence.