France Erupts in Protests Over Disturbing Sexual Assault Trial

France has witnessed a wave of protests as thousands of people have taken to the streets to demand an end to sexual violence and show support for Gisele Pelicot, the central figure in a deeply unsettling sexual assault trial. The trial, which began on September 2, involves Gisele’s former husband, Dominique Pelicot, and 50 other defendants, and has shocked the nation.

Gisele Pelicot, who is publicly using her married name, has called for the trial to be made public to highlight the abuse facilitated through drugging. Dominique Pelicot has admitted to drugging Gisele for years, allowing him to either rape her or watch her being assaulted by dozens of men he recruited online.

The case has horrified France, especially given that many of the accused are ordinary individuals with everyday jobs, and several suspects remain unaccounted for. In Paris, demonstrators chanted “We are all Gisele,” underscoring their solidarity with the victim and demanding justice.