French mass rape trial entering 'final stretch,' victim Gisele Pelicot says

Mass rape victim Gisele Pelicot said the trial of her husband and 50 other men was entering its "final stretch" on Tuesday (November 19), as she arrived in the courtroom. On Tuesday, both Gisele and Dominique Pelicot will have the opportunity to speak in court, followed by the assistant public prosecutor and the defence's lawyers. Dominique Pelicot has admitted to inviting dozens of strangers over nearly ten years to their house to rape her after he had drugged her. Fifty other men also stand trial, accused of raping her. The 71-year-old victim insisted on a public trial in an attempt to expose her former husband and the other accused, as well as to spark change in France. The case has prompted deep soul searching in the country, with consent at the heart of the matter. Protests have been organized across France over recent months to show support for Gisele Pelicot, with many women expressing admiration for her courage and people applauding her at the Avignon courthouse. The trial is expected to last until December 20, 2024, at the latest. (Production: Nicolas Coupe, Antony Paone, Manuel Ausloos)