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Discover the story behind the trial that exposed deep societal issues in France, sparking outrage and debate about justice, power, and accountability.
In recent history, few legal cases have gripped a nation as profoundly as this one. The trial not only brought the harrowing details of a horrific crime to light but also sparked a fierce national conversation about justice, power dynamics, and societal values. As the courtroom proceedings unfolded, they revealed cracks in the system that left many questioning the very foundations of accountability and fairness in France.
Gisèle Pelicot’s lawyer speaks to Victoria Derbyshire
10 dec 2024 #Newsnight
In his first UK broadcast interview, Gisèle Pelicot’s lawyer Stéphane Babonneau tells #Newsnight of the extraordinary courage of Madame Pelicot.
The mass rape trial which the 72-year-old is at the centre of is coming to an end. Mrs Pelicot was drugged by her former husband and was allegedly raped over the course of nine years by at least 50 men – strangers he’d recruited online.
Victoria Derbyshire speaks to lawyer Stéphane Babonneau with his client’s blessing.
Newsnight is the BBC’s flagship news and current affairs TV programme – with analysis, debate, exclusives, and robust interviews.
France’s Horrifying Rape Trial Has a Feminist Hero
18 dec 2024 The Daily
Warning: This episode contains graphic descriptions of sexual violence.
After months of testimony, verdicts are expected as soon as this week in a rape trial that has both horrified and captivated the people of France.
Catherine Porter, who has covered the trial, discusses the woman at the center of the case and how, with a single decision, she has turned the power dynamics of the #MeToo era on their head.
Guest: Catherine Porter (https://www.nytimes.com/by/catherine-…) , an international correspondent for The New York Times based in Paris.
Background reading:
• France’s horrifying rape trial has a feminist hero (https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/25/wo…) .
• Dominique Pelicot says he invited men to rape his wife, whom he had drugged. The French media call them “Mr. Every Man” because they come from such ordinary backgrounds (https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/27/fr…) .
For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily (http://nytimes.com/thedaily?smid=pc-t…) . Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Gisele Pelicot and France’s MeToo moment
22 nov 2024 Sky News Daily Podcasts
Warning: This story contains references to sexual assault and rape.
A woman’s decision to waive her anonymity and have a public trial after her husband drugged her and invited dozens of men to rape her over a decade has reignited the MeToo movement in France.
Gisele Pelicot has become a feminist hero after insisting that the trial be held in public to raise awareness, saying: “It’s not for us to have shame, it’s for them.”
Niall is joined by our Europe correspondent Siobhan Robbins to explore how the ‘trial of the century’ has unfolded and speaks to writer and MeTooMedia ambassador Benedicte Martin about what it means for women in France.
Producers: Soila Apparicio, Emma Rae Woodhouse
Editor: Philly Beaumont
Educational
Gisèle Pelicot and the trial that changed France | The Story
11 dec 2024 The Story | PODCAST
Gisèle Pelicot waived her right to anonymity when her husband – and dozens of other men – were charged with raping and sexually assaulting her. Her decision allowed journalists to cover the trial in full and made her a feminist icon in France. But as we await the final verdicts and sentencing, what does the case tell us about French attitudes to rape? And with the French government promising change, will this be a watershed moment?
The episode contains discussion of rape and sexual assault.
This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times.
Gisele Pelicot’s ex-husband jailed in French mass rape trial
20 dec 2024
A French court found Dominique Pelicot guilty on Thursday of repeatedly drugging and raping his wife and inviting dozens of strangers to rape her unconscious body in a case that has horrified the world. Fifty co-defendants were also found guilty while their victim, Gisele Pelicot, sat in the packed courtroom to hear the sentencing
The Gisèle Pelicot rape trial, concluded in December 2024, was a landmark case in France that exposed severe issues of sexual violence and consent within intimate relationships. Key points include:
Perpetrators and Crimes: Dominique Pelicot, Gisèle’s husband, was convicted of drugging and raping her over nearly a decade. He also facilitated the rape by at least 50 other men, whom he invited to assault her while she was unconscious.
Discovery: The abuse came to light in 2020 when Dominique was arrested for unrelated offenses, leading police to discover over 20,000 images and videos documenting the assaults.
Trial and Sentencing: In December 2024, Dominique received a 20-year prison sentence. The other 50 men were sentenced to terms ranging from 3 to 15 years.
Gisèle’s Courage: Gisèle waived her right to anonymity, choosing a public trial to raise awareness about marital rape and encourage other victims to speak out.
Societal Impact: The trial ignited national debates in France about consent, marital rape, and the need for legal reforms to protect victims of sexual violence.
Gisèle’s bravery has been widely recognized, making her a symbol of resilience and a catalyst for change in addressing sexual violence.
Young Japanese Girl Turns Into Old Man – Just For Laughs Gags
9 mei 2011
Cute, young, Asian girl is touring the city and needs help navigating. People passing by are happy to help out the pretty tourist, who is touting a massive backpack. But as soon as they look up from the map, she’s disappeared. In her place, mysteriously, is an old Japanese man wearing the exact same backpack. Prank victims look around for the girl they had just spoken to, but it seems that she’s magically transformed!
A presentation of JustForLaughsTV, the official Just For Laughs Gags YouTube channel. Home of the funniest, greatest, most amazing, most hilarious, win filled, comedy galore, hidden camera pranks in the world!