What's happened
Gisèle Pelicot, a victim of prolonged abuse, has testified in a high-profile trial against her ex-husband and 51 other men accused of raping her while she was drugged. Her statements challenge societal norms surrounding consent and rape, calling for a shift in attitudes towards these issues.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Angelique Chrisafis in The Guardian, Gisèle Pelicot's powerful statements in court have positioned her as a feminist icon, stating, "It’s time we changed the way we look at rape." This sentiment is echoed in another article by Chrisafis, which details the shocking nature of the allegations against Charly A, one of the accused, who suggested drugging and raping his own mother. The gravity of these claims highlights the pervasive issues of misogyny and violence against women in society. The South China Morning Post's coverage of a separate case involving Patrik Tobias Ekstrom also underscores the broader context of sexual violence, revealing the emotional manipulation often employed by perpetrators. These articles collectively illustrate a critical moment in the fight against sexual violence, emphasizing the need for societal change.
How we got here
The trial stems from allegations that Gisèle Pelicot was drugged by her husband, Dominique Pelicot, who invited numerous men to assault her over nearly a decade. This case has garnered significant public attention, highlighting systemic issues related to sexual violence and consent.
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