Éric Dupond-Moretti has a “small reservation” about the Mazan rape trial

JUSTICE – « I am a little cautious about the demonstrations within the courthouse”. On the eve of the verdict in the Pelicot affair, Éric Dupond-Moretti gave his opinion on this extraordinary trial which has been taking place since September in Avignon. If he recognizes its importance, the former Minister of Justice, who will be starring in his own one man show at the beginning of February, expressed some reservations.

« I am a little more cautious about the demonstrations within the courthousehe added. I experienced manifestations of hostility towards certain defendants. Sometimes supportive, too. Inside the courthouse, it bothers me. In front, why not. Elsewhere why not. Within the Palace, I have a small reserve. »

He recognizes the courage that Gisèle Pelicot – who celebrated her 72nd birthday on December 7 – had in making this affair so public. “ I of course understand the support, the help, that we give to Gisèle Pelicot, who is a courageous woman, in the sense that she allowed this public debate. Deep down, she could avoid it “, he indicated.

Applause and guards of honor

Since the start of the Mazan rape trial in September, feminist mobilization has intensified. Among the striking images, those of Gisèle Pelicot, each day of the trial, crossing the hall of the courthouse to applause, guards of honor, and bouquets of flowers. A collective of women has also been singing in front of the Avignon courthouse since the start of the trial, in support of Gisèle Pelicot and all women victims of violence.

The former Minister of Justice also understands the impact that this affair should have in the fight against sexual violence. “ It is an important trial because it allowed us to focus on a type of rape which is not necessarily the most common, chemical submission. This, indeed, allows us to become aware of one of the forms of non-consent, obviously », underlined Éric Dupond-Moretti.

In the ranks of feminist associations and civil parties, there is great hope that this extraordinary trial, with strong media coverage, will change mentalities about rapes, attempted rapes and sexual assaults reported each year by more than 200,000 people. women in France. This trial must make it possible to “to change the idea anchored in a masculine imagination that the woman’s body is an object of conquest”had hammered out during his pleading Me Stéphane Babonneau, one of Gisèle Pelicot’s lawyers.

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