We are gradually approaching the end of the four months of the Mazan rape trial, the time of the verdict is approaching for Dominique Pelicot and the 50 co-accused.
A main accused, Dominique Pelicot, and 50 co-accused. At the start of the 11th week of the extraordinary trial, almost all of them have been heard, and the time for the verdict is approaching.
Since Monday November 18, 2024, the last four co-defendants take the stand. For the first time, the sons of the Pelicot couple are also speaking out, members of a devastated family who also have questions to ask their father: why did Dominique Pelicot have images of their respective wives, naked? And why did these photos taken without their knowledge end up on social networks? Caroline, the daughter of Dominique Pelicot, who had already been heard at the start of the trial, spoke again this Monday, saying she was “convinced” of having also been drugged and raped by her father.
This week marks the last statements of the accused and the civil parties, to finish depicting in horror everything that arises from the actions of Dominique Pelicot. The latter will be heard one last time, then it will be the turn of the main victim Gisèle Pelicot, before the trial moves to a new stage.
A long phase of pleadings
Potentially from Tuesday 19 or Wednesday 20 November 2024, the time will come for the lawyers' pleadings. First those of the civil parties, who represent Gisèle Pelicot, her three children, her two daughters-in-law and grandchildren.
Then, the indictment will be presented by the two representatives of the public prosecutor. The requisitions are planned for two days, penalties will be requested against Dominique Pelicot at that time.
Finally, a very long pleading phase by the defense lawyers is expected. Long, given the number of accused, who will be defended one by one for at least three weeks. Me Béatrice Zavarro, lawyer for Dominique Pelicot, will be saved until last.
The verdict delivered at the end of December?
Once the pleadings phase is complete, the verdict should be rendered on December 20, 2024 against Dominique Pelicot and the 50 co-defendants, after more than four months of trial. Between the end of the pleadings and the verdict, it will take at least a week without a hearing, while the five professional magistrates of the Vaucluse criminal court render their deliberations.
