In a high-profile Avignon court case‚ Gisele Pelicot (age 71) faces her abusers in a trial thats shaking French society to its core. Her husband Dominique Pelicot admitted to drug-induced attacks spanning 10 years; while letting other men into their home
The case involves 50-something co-defendants who claim they didnt understand their actions were wrong: most putting blame on the mastermind husband. Gisele – who learned about her abuse just a few years back when police found video evidence – spoke up against their weak excuses
I am a rapist‚ just like all the others in this room
The victims choice to make trial public instead of closed-door shows remarkable strength. Her two sons totally cut ties with their father‚ while daughter Caroline Darian brought up more accusations about possible abuse. The family dynamics turned super-complex – with heated court exchanges between father and kids
The court showed videos where Gisele was clearly unconscious (even snoring) during attacks; which makes defendants claims of not knowing what they did even more questionable. The judge will give final decision right before xmas this year