Historic Mazan Trial Confronts Sexual Violence and Societal Complicity

The trial of 51 men accused of orchestrated sexual violence against Gisèle Pelicot highlights systemic failures and calls for transformative justice.

The trial centers on the harrowing case of Gisèle Pelicot, whose husband drugged and delivered her to strangers for sexual exploitation over a decade.
Fifty-one men face charges of aggravated rape, with the defense controversially claiming a lack of intent to commit rape despite overwhelming evidence, including videos and photos.
Gisèle Pelicot and her legal team waived the right to a private trial to shed light on the pervasive culture of sexual violence and its normalization in society.
The case has drawn international attention, with lawyers emphasizing its potential to shape future legal and societal attitudes toward consent and victim protection.
The trial coincides with widespread protests against gender-based violence in France, amplifying calls for systemic reforms and stricter accountability.