The trial of the “Mazan rapes”, a monumental and emblematic trial of rape culture, opened on September 2, 2024 before the Vaucluse Criminal Court, in Avignon, is scheduled to last until mid-December. Dozens of men are on trial for having raped Gisèle Pelicot, drugged and raped by her ex-husband for around ten years, who is also in the dock. At the request of the victim, the trial is public, “so that the shame changes sides”. After six weeks of trial, the room is always full. Who are these citizens, especially female citizens, who come to attend the hearings?
From our correspondent in Avignon,
It is 9 a.m. at the Avignon court, the public is preparing to enter the broadcast room to attend the hearings. There are only around sixty places and sometimes more than a hundred people wait. So to be sure of getting in, some arrive very early, like Bernadette. She lives in Saran, 25 km from Avignon, she is retired and is in court from 7 a.m. Once installed, she does not go out for lunch between noon and 2 a.m. so that she can attend the afternoon session.
Of the six weeks of trial, Bernadette only missed one. However, she is not really used to the courts. “ The world of justice is unknown to me, she confidesso I told myself that it would allow me to enter a little bit into this world. And the affair has a worldwide impact. So this is all very interesting. »
If some are attracted by the sensational side of the trial, Bernadette wants above all to better understand the issues surrounding rape. “ I was amazed by the orientation of the defense lawyers from day one, she laments, he There was, how to put it… a suspicion of the victim. And that’s incredible ! »
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Also read Sexual violence: through the emblematic Mazan rape trial, the hope of “a revival of society”
“ In fact, all women know what sexual violence, sexual assault, rape are”
Unlike dozens of people every evening, Bernadette does not applaud Gisèle Pelicot for not encroaching on the work of justice. Anne crossed the country to do it and despite her shifty gaze and crossed arms, she is quite determined. She came specially from Île-de-France for three days to encourage the victim, but not only that. “ I also wanted give importance to this trial because we all hope that it goes well develop legislation regarding the definition of consent and rape. Many men are in denial or downplaying what they have done and it would be good for them to become aware of their actions. »
Outside the walls of the court, the collective The Amazons of Avignon chant : “ Rapists, we see you, victims, we believe you “. “ For us, it is important to take action for these women, for all women victims of sexual violence,” explains Pascale, activist within the collective. For her, her almost daily presence is essential, because this trial does not only concern Gisèle Pelicot. “ The impression I have for myself, but also for all the women in line, is that in fact, all women know what sexual violence, sexual assault, rape are. she notes.
And This trial is a way of making this violence visible. Tomorrow, 7 a.m., Pascale will be back in the queue and will applaud Gisèle Pelicot when she arrives.
Listen to our original podcast “Hands off!”8/10 Gender stereotypes and rape culture in the media – Season 2