On Saturday 14 September, demonstrations in support of all rape victims, including Gisèle Pelicot, who has become a leading figure in the fight against chemical submission, will take place in several cities in France, including Marseille, Paris, Nice and Nantes.
This 71-year-old woman has agreed to have the trial of her ex-husband, Dominique Pelicot, accused of having drugged her and recruited dozens of strangers on the Internet to rape her over a period of ten years, held behind closed doors in Avignon. “let shame change sides”In Marseille, some 300 people hung a banner with this slogan on the doors of the court, an Agence France-Presse (AFP) journalist noted.
Martine Ragon, a 74-year-old retiree, came to the rally with a sign showing a drawing by Gisèle Pelicot, for “Exposing rape culture”. “This publicized essay will allow us to talk about it, to raise awareness”wait.
“We must support women who are treated like this. When we hear certain testimonies, we wonder how a man can treat a woman like this.”“Gérard Etienne, 75, Martine’s partner, is indignant.
“It’s shocking”this trial, “Because we see that rapists are a bit like Mr. Everyman. It contrasts with the idea that there is only one type of rapist.”says Pedro Campos, 21 years old, photographer.
uncovered face
Since the opening of the trial, Gisèle Pelicot, who appeared uncovered, has refused to allow the trial of her attackers to take place behind closed doors, as rape victims can request. Her stylised face, drawn by Aline Dessine, a Belgian graphic designer with 2.5 million subscribers on TikTok, is also the subject of calls for protests in several cities in France.
In Nice, Deborah Poirier, 36, was one of 150 people gathered on Saturday morning at the Place Massena: “I came as a citizen because it affects me. I am one of the 100% of women who have already suffered attacks or attempted attacks. I want this to stop.”the young woman explains. “Gisele’s attack is the paroxysm of horror that crystallizes everything that should no longer happen”duck.
The third week of the trial, scheduled to end in December, is currently dependent on the health of the main defendant, Dominique Pelicot, who has been visibly affected since the beginning of the week and has been exempt from hearings since Tuesday.
