French prosecutors demand maximum sentence in mass rape trial

“This pistillate was you, Madame Pelicot, an mean woman,” authoritative Jean-François Mayet said successful court, lauding her bravery successful breaking societal taboos.

Prosecutor Laure Chabaud described Dominique’s acts arsenic heinous and called for the maximum punishment nether aggravated rape charges. “Twenty years down bars is some a batch and not enough,” she said. Dominique admitted guilt and showed remorse during the trial, acknowledging the relation of his co-defendants, who helium said were alert of the circumstances.

The Scale of abuse

Evidence from Dominique’s meticulously catalogued room of 20,000 photos and videos linked him to dozens of men progressive successful the assaults, though 20 suspects stay unidentified. Most co-defendants look aggravated rape charges. While immoderate claimed they believed Gisèle was a consenting subordinate successful a roleplay, prosecutors argued this defence was implausible.

Gisèle, who waived her anonymity, has drawn wide support.

Crowds extracurricular the courthouse carried banners reading, “20 years for each of them” and chanted successful solidarity with her. “She’s turning the tables and making shame autumn connected the perpetrators, not the victim,” said Chantal Crémont, a supporter.

The proceedings coincides with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, highlighting broader societal issues. “France has a agelong way to alteration its presumption of rape culture,” Mayet said, underscoring the case’s significance.

The tribunal is expected to present its verdicts by December 20.