Mayor expresses strong disapproval towards remark pertaining to Avignon trial.
In the spotlight of a prominent rape case in Avignon, France, a mayor sparked widespread condemnation with his flippant remark. "It could've been worse, no kids were involved, no one died," the 74-year-old Louis Bonnet told the BBC. The mayor of Mazan, where the main accused resided, was reference the alleged 200 instances of rape of Gisele Pelicot. Her husband, Dominique Pelicot, would drug her with sedatives before inviting numerous men to rape her while she was unconscious.
Bonnet later issued an apology for his insensitive comments, which had sparked a barrage of backlash on social media. "I'm accused of diminishing the gravity of the horrendous crimes committed by the accused. I realize how shocking these statements are and sincerely apologize," Bonnet wrote on Facebook.
The trial against Dominique Pelicot, who is now divorced from Gisele, has garnered significant international attention since its commencement in early September.
Co-defendant's Defense: "I was a bit naive"
On Thursday, graphic photographs and videos of Gisele Pelicot, taken by Dominique Pelicot and saved under the label "Abuse" on his hard drive, were presented as evidence for the first time. The folder also contained a subfolder labeled "Jacques," referring to one of the multiple men Dominique Pelicot invited via online forums to sexually assault his unconscious wife.
The courtroom audience was dismissed during this display, but journalists were permitted to stay. The videos depicted Gisele Pelicot lying unconscious as two men sexually assaulted her. Jacques C., a co-defendant, testified in court that he believed he was interacting with a "progressive couple." "I was a bit naive," he argued. He assured the court that he touched the woman without any penetration.
The judge then decided against displaying any further graphic material in the presence of journalists, a move contested by Gisele Pelicot's legal team. "This trial has the potential to reshape society. However, to achieve that, we need the bravery to confront rape's brutal truth," stated Stephane Babonneau during the trial's break. Gisele Pelicot's lawyers and those representing the main defendant agreed to the exhibit of the videos.
France is praising the courage of 72-year-old Gisele Pelicot. She insisted that the trial against her ex-husband and 50 co-defendants be open, stating, "I want the shame to be exposed publicly."
French officials commend the bravery of Gisele Pelicot, as she persistently advocates for an open trial in France, seeking to expose the shame associated with her ex-husband's crimes and those of his 50 co-defendants. The mayor of Mazan, who initially faced backlash for his insensitive remarks about the case in Avignon, France, had to acknowledge the seriousness of the crime after public condemnation.
