at the Mazan rape trial, the last words of Dominique Pelicot

“Do you have anything to add in your defense?” This is the question asked Monday, December 16 by the president of the Vaucluse criminal court Roger Arata to the 51 accused of the Mazan rapes. The first to speak is the main accused, Dominique Pelicot.

“I would like to start by saluting the courage of my ex-wife”whispered DominiquePelicot this morning. “I regret what I did, for having made them suffer for four years, I ask them for forgiveness.”

“I have internal shame”

Gisèle Pelicot's ex-husband then spoke about the conditions in which this trial took place. “The court allowed me to remain seated each time I entered the room, which was interpreted as a lack of respect. The chair was arranged for me, the height of which is higher than Adrien L., which was interpreted as arrogance. This is not the case. I have an inner shame, a shell that I created for myself, because without a shell we die in prison”.

The main accused also thanked his lawyer, who prevented him “repeatedly letting go of the ramp”. “You advised me against it, because it would have been proof of cowardice. You were right, so I held on”.

“Finally, a lot of things have been said about me. I was given titles. I rather intend to make myself forgotten. We talked about the presumption of innocence. I have the impression that you have flouted it, by talking about external affairs. I conclude that everyone here is guilty.he added. “I paid my debt to the prison, never that to my family. The deprivation of no longer seeing your loved ones is worse than the deprivation of freedom. I would like to tell all my family that I love them. I beg your pardon”he concluded.

After these last speeches, the Vaucluse criminal court will deliberate.