from our special correspondent in Avignon – The trial of 51 men for the rape of Gisèle Pelicot began in earnest on Thursday as the first defendants took the stand. Their testimony included expressions of regret along with more ambiguous statements regarding their awareness of their victim’s vulnerable state. The recurring question was how the accused could not have been aware of a sleeping woman's lack of consent.
Warning: The following account of courtroom testimony includes descriptions of sexual assault that may be upsetting to some readers.
