- Hospitalization of primary accused in rape trial
Postponement in Dominique P.'s Rape Trial in Avignon, France
The trial of Dominique P., the main defendant in the rape case in the French city of Avignon, has been temporarily halted. Dominique, aged 71, was hospitalized, as announced by his lawyer. Judge Arata ordered a compulsory medical examination. The defendant had reportedly left the court earlier the day prior, due to alleged stomach pain.
Lawyer Zavarro discarded speculations that Dominique was evading the trial. "He has consistently expressed his intention to attend and testify," she stated. The judge suggested the trial could be put on hold "until his health improves." The ex-wife's attorneys concurred with this decision. Neither Gisele P., nor her children wished to testify with his absence.
"An addictive behavior"
The Frenchman, who had allegedly drug his wife with sleeping pills and offered her to strangers for sexual assault for years, was set to testify for the first time on Tuesday. Experts characterized him as "self-centered" and "manipulative." He acknowledged his unintentional abuse of his divorced wife, Gisele P., alongside others. He referred to it as "an addictive behavior."
Gisele P. had recounted her ordeal in court the preceding week, detailing her experiences with unexplained memory lapses and gynecological issues for years before discovering her husband's wrongdoings. Investigations into another crime led officials to discover approximately 4,000 images and videos of her being raped while unconscious.
- "The judge, considering Dominique P.'s health and the sensitive nature of the following testimonies, decided to postpone the trial until he was fully recovered."
- "Despite Dominique's acknowledgment of his 'addictive behavior,' the following trial proceedings are expected to provide a detailed account of his actions and their impact on his victims."
