Trial exposes dark secrets: 50 men accused in shocking rape case
This case has deeply impacted France. The trial of 50 men accused of violating Gisèle Pelicot is currently underway. At the latest court hearing, shocking videos recorded by the victim’s husband were shown. The man shielded his eyes and ears, unwilling to view them, while the victim herself sat with her head against the wall before eventually leaving the room.
According to the BBC, the key evidence in the trial is videos filmed by her husband, which were shown during the hearing. The recordings depict the woman under the influence and unaware of what was happening to her.
The prosecution contends that the accused must have known that the woman was not voluntarily participating in the sexual acts. Prosecutors argue that each of the 50 men was aware that Gisèle was unconscious and unable to consent, meaning their actions amount to intentional rape. Many of the defendants claim that Dominique Pelicot led them to believe it was part of a mutual, consensual sexual game.
During the trial, Dominique Pelicot’s recorded films were finally shown. He covered his ears and eyes, unwilling to watch the footage. Gisèle leaned her head against the wall, watching the video briefly before leaving the room. "I can't stand that man," she remarked.
In one of the earliest recordings, carpenter Vincent C. admitted to feeling "discomfort" at one point but did not question the situation. He expressed remorse but insisted he had no intention to commit a crime. The portal Le Monde described him as an alcoholic, drug addict, and domestic violence offender. He admitted to finding the ad online and believed he was "satisfying the couple," without questioning anything after receiving permission for sex from the woman's husband.
Another defendant claimed to be a victim of Dominique himself. He alleged that Dominique instructed him on what to do.
According to the "Daily Mail," Jerome B. testified that he initially performed gardening work, after which the man offered him sex with his wife. He claimed he refused because Pelicot mentioned that the woman would be drugged.
An official whom Pelicot located online allegedly declined sexual advances. The man testified that he thought Dominique was merely "rambling" when talking about drugging his wife, and he never considered that Dominique was administering drugs to her.
Paul-Roger Gontard, the defence lawyer for some of the accused, stressed that Dominique Pelicot is largely responsible for the circumstances in which the men were implicated.
In the courtroom, as reported by BBC, some men admitted guilt and apologized to Gisèle.
