The trial against Dominique Pélicot and 50 other men is coming to an end

The trial, which has been ongoing since early September in Avigion in southeastern France, has shaken the country and made headlines around the world.

Next week, the prosecutors will ask for punishment for the accused. Some face up to 20 years in prison.

Dominique Pélicot, 71, is accused of drugging and raping his ex-wife, as well as inviting a series of strange men on the Internet to prey on her.

None of the accused alerted the police

The men, who are aged between 26 and 74, have occupations such as nurse, journalist, truck driver, soldier and councillor.

Several abuses filmed by Dominique Pélicot have been played during the trial.

In the video clips, the victim, Gisèle Pelicot, 72, is motionless or seemingly asleep, Reuters reports.

14 of the men have admitted serious rape, the majority say they thought it was a “sex game”. None of the 50 accused alerted the police.

– When you enter a bedroom and see a motionless body, at what point not to react, Gisèle Pelicot asks the accused during her last appearance in court.

Gisèle Pelicot is celebrated for her courage

Gisèle Pelicot has been praised for her courage. It was at her request that the trial was held open to the public to raise awareness of sexual abuse.

– It is time for the patriarchal macho society that trivializes rape to change, she says.

The former couple’s daughter, Caroline Darian, also claims to have been abused by her father.

Several nude pictures of the daughter

The investigators have found nude pictures and photo montages of her in Dominique Pélicot’s computer, pictures that are said to have been taken without her knowledge.

In some pictures she appears to be sleeping, in some she is wearing her mother’s underwear, according to AFP.

Dominique Pélicot, who has admitted the abuse against his ex-wife, denies his daughter’s accusations.

– You lie, you don’t have the courage to tell the truth. Not even about your ex-wife, Caroline Darian answers her father in court and continues:

– You will die in lies. Alone in Lies, Dominique Pelicot.

The verdict is expected to be announced by December 20 at the latest.

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