Hundreds of demonstrators, most of which – women took to the streets across France to show their support for their fellow citizen Giselle Pellicot, whose husband is accused of drugging her and letting her be raped by dozens of unknown men for nearly 10 years, Reuters reported. quoted by BTA.
Feminist associations called on their supporters to organize about 30 rallies in a number of cities, including Marseille and Paris. Placards with slogans such as "Support for Gisele" were erected in the capital's Republic Square. and "Victims, we believe you".
The tragic story of Pellicot, who is now 72 years old, shook the whole of France and the woman became a symbol of courage, endurance and the fight against sexual violence. The trial against her husband began earlier this month.
Pellico herself insisted that the case, which will last until December, be heard in public to alert the public to sexual assaults and abuses committed against people whose consciousness is clouded by drugs.
"Thousands of thanks for her enormous courage," said Fatima Benomar, an activist from the feminist organization "Side by Side", noting that all rape victims will be honored at the rallies.
Seventy-one-year-old Dominique Pellico is accused of repeatedly raping and enlisting strangers to sexually assault his wife while she was under the influence of strong narcotics. The crimes were committed in the couple's home over a period of 10 years.
The man was due to give evidence in court this week, but the hearing was postponed because he had health problems. He is expected to appear in court tomorrow if his condition permits.
According to the prosecutor's office, Pellico distributed on the Internet proposals for sex with his wife and filmed the assaults. Charges have been brought against another 50 men involved in the rapes.
Pellicot's lawyer told French media that the man pleaded guilty. Some of the other accused also admitted to having participated in the assaults. However, there are also those who say that during their actions they thought that the woman was pretending to be asleep.
Each of the defendants is threatened with up to 20 years in prison.