Gisèle Pelicot is not my adversary, says defence lawyer treading a fine line in mass rape case

Béatrice Zavarro has tried to explain, not excuse, why Dominique Pelicot invited strangers to rape his wife, while hoping the case will lead to social change in France

Béatrice Zavarro, a diminutive figure in a long black robe and heavy red glasses, who has described herself as the “devil’s advocate”, stood up in a packed courtroom in Avignon to sum up the defence for Dominique Pelicot, on trial for drugging his wife, Gisèle, and arranging more than 50 men to rape her.

What could his lawyer say about the man who has admitted to the charges in the notorious mass rape trial, and whose perversions and depravity have been played out in words and pictures around the world since proceedings opened three months ago?

Topics

Gisèle Pelicot held trial in public to force debate on rape culture, say lawyers

At summing up, lawyers say Gisèle Pelicot wanted to show how people still defend rape in France in 2024. Gisèle Pelicot ’s decision to waive her anonymity and hold a public trial after her husband ...
The Guardian - Nov. 20
Gisèle Pelicot says ‘macho’ society must change attitude on rape

French woman repeatedly drugged and allegedly raped by dozens of men makes final statement to court in Avignon. Gisèle Pelicot, who was drugged by her husband and allegedly raped by dozens of men ...
The Guardian - Nov. 19
Gisèle Pelicot condemns men accused of raping her and says French society must change

She has waived her right to anonymity so the entire trial can be heard in public.
BBC News - Nov. 19
Pelicot rape trial: ‘It is Gisèle’s name that will be remembered’

Woman who has become a feminist hero says she is ‘determined to change society’, as trial approaches its end. More than a hundred women formed a line and applauded as Gisèle Pelicot left the ...
The Guardian - Nov. 23
Gisèle Pelicot’s Sons Tell of a ‘Devastated’ Family at Rape Trial in France

The men appeared in court, addressing their father, who admits to having drugged their mother over years and inviting dozens of men to rape her while she was unconscious.
The New York Times - Nov. 18
Gisèle Pelicot rape trial: children tell of ‘devastation’ caused by their father

Couple’s two sons and daughter beg Dominique Pelicot to reveal if other family members were abused. Gisèle Pelicot’s children have described their “devastation” to learn that their father had ...
The Guardian - Nov. 18
Will Gisèle Pelicot’s courage spell the end of rape victims being put on trial? | Yvonne Roberts

Although the French court case represents a watershed for women, reform of justice systems is vital. Globally, home is the most dangerous place for women , a United Nations paper reported last ...
The Guardian - 3h
Gisèle Pelicot ‘honoured’ to wear scarf from Australian women’s group in court

Scarf made by First Nations women showed Pelicot that others around the world ‘feel the same way’, says lawyer. Gisèle Pelicot, the French woman who has become a feminist hero after insisting that ...
The Guardian - Nov. 6