Hundreds of people, mostly women, gathered in cities across France on Saturday to support Gisele Perico, whose husband is on trial for allegedly drugging her and hiring dozens of strangers to rape her in a case that has shocked the nation.
Feminist groups have called for around 30 rallies in cities from Marseille to Paris, with banners at Place de la Republique reading “Support for Gisele” and “Victims, we believe you”.
Since her trial began earlier this month, her extraordinary story has spread across France and Ms Perico, now 72, has become a symbol of the country’s fight against sexual violence.
Defence lawyers say they waived a closed trial and insisted on an open trial that will run until December to warn the public about sexual abuse and drug-induced blackouts.
“We thank her again and again for her great courage,” Fatima Benomar, a feminist activist from the “Coudes a Coudes” association, told BFM television, adding that the rally was also to show support for all rape victims.
Dominic Perico, 71, is accused of repeatedly drugging his wife over a 10-year period and having strangers rape her in the couple’s home.
He was scheduled to testify this week but was unable to attend due to health reasons.
He plans to testify on Monday, if possible.
In Marseille, around 200 protesters gathered in front of the Palace of Justice, where 41-year-old artist Lou-Salome Patouillard said: “I am here to support Gisele and all women, because there are many Giseles, too many.”
Prosecutors said Perricott solicited sex with his wife on the website and filmed the abuse.
Fifty other men allegedly involved in the abuse are also on trial.
Mr Perico’s lawyer, Beatrice Zaballo, told French media that his client had admitted his guilt.
According to French media, some of the other defendants have pleaded guilty, but some claim they believe Perico was a consensual participant who pretended to be asleep.
If convicted, both men face up to 20 years in prison each.