a “Thank you Gisèle” banner deployed in front of the Avignon courthouse before the verdict

JUSTICE – Palpable emotion and tension in the city of the popes. After four months of hearings before the Vaucluse criminal court, the Mazan rape trial must finally deliver its verdict this Thursday, December 19, before the eyes and cameras of the whole world.

Before this historic verdict which will be rendered in the morning by the five magistrates of the criminal court, the Avignon courthouse was the scene of an operation led by the Amazones d’Avignon collective. Very present since the start of the trial to support Gisèle Pelicot, this feminist collective deployed several banners to mark the end of this historic trial in France and abroad.

As a symbol, these huge messages were displayed opposite the entrance to the Avignon courthouse. The largest and most direct displayed the message “ Thank you Gisèle » in capital letters, as you can see in the video at the top of the article. Other banners like “Justice for all” et “Shame has changed sides, and justice? » were also visible.

A practice that has become a habit in the town of Vaucluse, whose walls have gradually been covered with collages against sexual violence and for women’s rights. Of which Gisèle Pelicot has become a representative since the opening of the trial on September 2.

These messages of gratitude towards the one who refused to hold the trial behind closed doors for “ that shame changes field » were observed this Thursday morning by the immense crowd of journalists present in front of the courthouse to cover the verdict. Offering impressive images of the wait caused by this decision which should be a landmark in cases of sexual violence with chemical submission.

Moreover, the tension is such this Thursday that a major police force is planned in the event that the court announces committal warrants against the 32 accused who appeared free. In this context and in the interest of space in the courtroom, only four media outlets – including Agence France Presse – will be able to attend the reading of the verdict in the main room.

The other journalists will listen to him from several side rooms. There will be nearly 180 accredited, including 86 for foreign media. Further proof, if any were needed, of the international impact of this affair.

Also see on HuffPost :