VIDEO. Approved, on the verge of tears, the incredible exit of Gisèle Pelicot from the Mazan rape trial, after the pleadings of her lawyers

Once again applauded by the public, Gisèle Pelicot left the Avignon judicial court upset, where media pressure is at its height, with media from around the world once again present for this last phase of the trial. The hearing is suspended until Monday, November 25, when the indictment of the two attorneys general will begin.

It was a distraught woman, on the verge of tears, who left the Avignon courthouse this Wednesday, November 20, where the Mazan rape trial had another strong hearing, marked by the last words of Dominique Pelicot, and by the pleadings of the civil parties, Me Antoine Camus and Me Stéphane Babonneau.

A swarm of cameras and thunderous applause

In the middle of a swarm of cameras, the septuagenarian crossed the room to thunderous applause, without being able to say a single word to the public who were waiting for her like every day at the end of the hearing, and having struggling to hold back tears. Since the start of the trial on September 2, she has never been seen so moved, despite the many difficult stages she had to face during these 49 days of hearing.

Media pressure has skyrocketed this week, as the trial has now entered a new phase, the debates on the merits having been completed, and it is now time for pleadings.

A testament bequeathed to future generations

“What was written about our trial made it possible to document the place of rape in France in 2024.” underlined in his one-hour pleading Me Stéphane Babonneau, second to speak for Gisèle Pelicot and her children. “This trial will be part of the testament that we will pass on to future generations, they will judge the lessons that must be learned from our debates.”

The lawyer wanted to conclude his remarks with a tribute to his client: “Madame Pelicot, you have done your part of the work, you went beyond what could be expected of you, in this fight that you did not choose but which you embraced with all your being.” He then addressed a final time to the five professional judges of the Vaucluse criminal court: “The time has come to place their history, their hope and their future in your hands.”