Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Radio France Internationale
Radio France Internationale
National
Jessica Phelan

The pivotal 1970s trial that rewrote France's definition of rape

Women's rights groups rally outside the courthouse in Aix-en-Provence in southern France on 2 May 1978, at the opening of a landmark trial that would change the way French courts prosecute rape. © AFP - GERARD FOUET

The closely watched trial of a man accused of drugging his wife and inviting others to rape her while she lay unconscious at their home in the south of France has become a rallying cry for those who say society needs to change the way it thinks about sexual assault. Fifty years ago, another rape case caused similar outcry – and led to lasting changes in French law.

“You know, this isn’t just one rape trial at stake.”

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.