‘We believe you’: French demonstrators rally in support of mass rape victim
Waving banners and flags, demonstrators in cities across France on Saturday joined rallies in support of Gisele Pelicot, a woman who was allegedly drugged by her ex-husband for over a decade so that she could be raped by several men. The case has shocked the nation and Pelicot has become a symbol of France’s fight against sexual violence following her decision to forgo a private trial.
Hundreds of people, mostly women, gathered in cities around France on Saturday in support of Gisele Pelicot, a woman whose husband is on trial, accused of drugging her and recruiting dozens of strangers to rape her over nearly a decade in a case that has shocked the nation.
Feminist associations have called for some 30 gatherings in cities ranging from Marseille to Paris, where on the Place de la Republique banners read "Support to Gisele" or "Shame Must Change Camp" or "Victims We believe you".
As her extraordinary story has rippled through France since the trial began earlier this month, Pelicot, now aged 72, has become a symbol of courage and resilience and of the fight against sexual violence.
He is expected to testify on Monday, provided he is in condition to do so.
(Reuters)
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