Flash decision from judge in French sexual assault trial: Rape footage to be shown

The trial of Dominique Pelicot, who encouraged more than 80 men to rape his wife in France, continues to shake the country.

Gisèle Pelicot, who was raped by her ex-husband and dozens of men while she was drugged for years, has become a heroine of the women's rights movement in the country. 

The 72-year-old Gisèle Pelicot was raped by dozens of men her husband brought into the family home while she was unconscious due to drugs administered by her ex-husband over a 10-year period. She learned 4 years ago from a police officer that her husband had filmed these horrific events.

A notable decision has come from the judge in the trial where Dominique Pelicot and dozens of men are being prosecuted. Judge Roger Arata has allowed journalists and citizens attending the trial to watch some of the videos showing Pelicot being raped while unconscious.

Gisèle Pelicot's lawyers also believe that the videos constitute important evidence for the case. Rape victim Pelicot had waived her right to anonymity and requested that the trial be open to the public to draw attention to the plight of women who are victims of sexual assault.

Since the trial began on September 2, Pelicot has been personally listening to the testimonies of her ex-husband and the dozens of men who raped her in the courtroom.

News Source: 12punto