French women rally to support Gisele Pelicot, woman at the centre of a mass rape trial By Reuters

PARIS (Reuters) – Hundreds of people, mostly women, rallied in cities across France on Saturday in support of Gisèle Bellecote, whose husband is on trial for drugging her and recruiting dozens of strangers to rape her in a case that has shocked the country.

Feminist groups called for some 30 rallies in cities from Marseille to Paris, where banners were raised in the Place de la République bearing the slogans “Support Gisele” and “Victims, we believe you.”

As her extraordinary story has unfolded in France since the trial began earlier this month, Bellicot, now 72, has become a symbol of France’s fight against sexual violence.

Her lawyers said she decided to forgo a private trial and instead insist on a public trial, scheduled to last until December, to alert the public to the sexual assault and drug-induced blackouts.

“We thank her a thousand times for her immense courage,” feminist activist Fatima Ben Omar of the association Codes a Codes told BFM TV, adding that the rallies were also to show support for all rape victims.

71-year-old Dominique Bellecote is accused of repeatedly drugging his wife and allowing strangers to rape her in the couple’s home over the course of a decade.

He was scheduled to testify this week but was excused due to poor health. If he is able to do so, he is expected to testify on Monday.

In Marseille, where about 200 protesters gathered outside the Palais de Justice, 41-year-old artist Lou Salome Batuyard said: “I am here to support Giselle and all women because there are many Giselles, many Giselles.”

Prosecutors said Bellicot offered to have sex with his wife on a website and filmed the assault. Fifty other men accused of taking part in the attack also face trial.

Bellecote’s lawyer, Béatrice Zafaro, told French media that Bellecote had confessed to his crimes. Some of the other defendants pleaded guilty while others said they believed Gisèle Bellecote had pretended to sleep and was a willing participant, according to French media.

Each of them faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted.