In Paris and other French cities‚ people joined forces to show support for Gisèle Pélicot and speak out against sexual violence. The demonstrations were sparked by the shocking trial of her ex-husband and 50 other men‚ accused of raping her while she was drugged and unconscious
The case which started about 1.5 months ago has got a lot of attention. People are impressed by Pélicots bravery in talking about what happened to her and keeping the trial open to the public. This decision has made a big impact not just in France‚ but beyond
She has decided to make this an emblematic trial
Labouret added that while victims have the right to stay anonymous Pélicots choice to go public is very important. It makes it impossible to ignore the extreme violence some men can do
Protestors criticized the French justice system for not taking sexual violence seriously enough. They held signs with messages like “Shame must change sides“ and “Not your punching ball“. Some even said “We are all Gisele Are you all Dominique???“
Dominique Pélicot the ex-husband‚ told the court he drugged his wife for almost 10 years and invited men to rape her while she was unconscious. He also admitted to raping her himself. The other men on trial (aged 26-74) mostly deny the charges saying they were tricked or thought she agreed
The trial is expected to finish in about 1.5 months. Its made people think about how anyone could be a rapist. One student‚ Khalil Ndiaye‚ said its disgusting to think it could be people you know or see every day
Despite her pain Gisèle Pélicot has become an inspiration. Ndiaye said “She decided to fight And were all here today because shes fighting and shes inspiring us to fight‚ too“