images of the mobilization in front of the court, in support of Gisèle Pelicot

Gisèle Pelicot will have been supported until the end. From 8 a.m. this Thursday, December 19, more than a hundred people were present in front of the Avignon courthouse, awaiting the verdict concerning the 51 accused in the Mazan rape trial.

The images show a large crowd gathered in front of the entrance to the court, even though it is not yet daylight. Some people hold up signs with the inscriptions “Prison box for all» or «Thank you for your courage Gisèle Pélicot», in support of the one who wanted “let shame change sides”. The septuagenarian is then warmly applauded when she arrives at court.

A little later in the morning, the epilogue of this historic and extraordinary trial, which has become a symbol of the fight against violence against women, was known. Dominique Pelicot was found guilty of “aggravated rape» on his ex-wife Gisèle and sentenced to 20 years of detention. All the accused were found guilty.