Hundreds Gather in france to support gisele pelocot and repe victims

**Hundreds Gather in France to Support Gisèle Pélicot and Rape Victims** *Published 12:41 PM EDT, Sat September 14, 2024* In a powerful display of solidarity, hundreds of people, predominantly women, gathered across France on Saturday to support Gisèle Pélicot, a 71-year-old who is at the center of a harrowing case. Her husband is on trial for allegedly drugging her and orchestrating the rape of her by numerous strangers over nearly ten years. This case has stunned the nation and ignited widespread outrage. From Marseille to Paris, feminist groups organized around 30 demonstrations, with prominent gatherings in Place de la République in Paris, where banners read "Support to Gisèle" and "Victims We Believe You." Gisèle Pélicot, now 72, has become a symbol of bravery and resilience. Her decision to hold a public trial, rather than a private one, aims to highlight the issues of sexual abuse and drug-induced blackouts, according to her lawyers. Fatima Benomar from the “Coudes a Coudes” association praised Pélicot’s courage and emphasized that the demonstrations also honor all rape victims. The accused, Dominique Pélicot, faces serious charges including repeated rape and soliciting strangers to abuse his sedated wife. He was expected to testify soon, although he was excused this week due to health reasons. The trial, which includes 50 other men implicated in the abuse, is scheduled to continue until December. If convicted, the defendants could face up to 20 years in prison.