The Sexual Assault Trial Happening in Avignon
Victim Gisele Pelicot Secures Triumph in French Trial: In the trial against her ex-husband and 50 other alleged rapists, witnesses and media personnel will now have access to the visual evidence of the sexual assaults. According to Gisele's legal team based in Avignon, southern France, this is a "victory".
Judge Roger Arata overturned a previous ruling. The visuals were only meant to be presented "if it aids in truth's revelation," Arata explained. Gisele's legal representatives welcomed this change. Lawyer Stephane Babonneau stated, "Open discussions can deter other women from encountering such predicaments." Several lawyers for the accused unsuccessfully argued against the admission of spectators and journalists in the courtroom. Lawyer Olivier Lantelme questioned, "What purpose would showing these repulsive films serve?"
Gisele Pelicot has consistently advocated for an open trial, as opposed to the originally planned secret one. She emphasized, "The shame needs to be shifted." Pelicot is often greeted with applause upon entering and exiting the courtroom. Her ex-husband, Dominique Pelicot, confessed to drugging and raping Gisele on numerous occasions over the years. At least 92 other men allegedly participated, whom Dominique had met through online forums. The accused individuals are facing up to 20 years in prison.
During recent court proceedings, several co-defendants have denied the rape allegations. Some claimed to believe the woman was feigning sleep. Another defendant described himself as a "victim" of Dominique and acted out of fear. Another suspect claimed to have been drugged as well, unable to recall the events. However, Dominique Pelicot firmly maintained, "They all knew."
In September, some of the incriminating photos and videos, captured by Dominique Pelicot himself, were admitted as evidence in court for the first time. His hard drive contained a folder labeled "Abuse" with numerous subfolders named after the pseudonyms of the other men. Initially, spectators were required to leave the room, but journalists were allowed to remain. Later, the presiding judge decided to bar journalists from viewing the images as well. Both Gisele and Dominique's legal teams protested against this decision.
Gisele Pelicot's push for an open trial includes allowing other witnesses and the media to view the visual evidence, which she believes can serve as a deterrent for other women facing similar situations. Despite some resistance from the accused's lawyers, this 'other' group was granted access to the visual evidence, contributing to Gisele's victorious stand in the trial.
