Dominique Pelicot, a 71-year-old Frenchman, has admitted to the criminal charges he faces in a high-profile trial in France. The case involves allegations of drugging his wife and orchestrating her rape by numerous strangers over a period of ten years. Pelicot, who appeared in court with a cane due to health issues, confessed to the charges, acknowledging his role as a rapist along with the other accused individuals present.
According to prosecutors, Pelicot allegedly promoted sexual encounters with his wife on a website and recorded the assaults. The trial, being held in Avignon, includes 50 other men accused of participating in the crimes. However, the other defendants have not yet responded to the allegations against them.
Gisele Pelicot, the former wife of Dominique Pelicot and now 72 years old, insisted on a public trial to bring to light the actions of her ex-husband and the other men involved in the assaults.
Pelicot's health issues led to multiple delays in his court appearance last week. His lawyer had expressed his client's intention to use the hearing as an opportunity to offer an apology to his family.
