Overview
- Cyril Zattara, 47, appeared before the Cour criminelle in Aix-en-Provence to face charges of drugging, raping and secretly filming women, with 19 civil parties linked to alleged offenses from 2010 to 2021.
- At the opening, one victim’s lawyer sought a full closed session to protect testimony, while others pressed for public proceedings and the bench considered a partial closure under the law.
- The presiding judge, Roger Arata, referenced the legal right to closed hearings at a victim’s request, as the prosecutor called for strict application of the statute.
- Prosecutors cite hair and blood tests indicating benzodiazepines including zolpidem, DNA traces tied to the accused and images recovered from his computer showing women in a lethargic state.
- Investigators describe a pattern of spiking drinks or food at his home and using his roles in dance and informal hypnotherapy to gain access, with the defendant allegedly attributing victims’ disorientation to hypnosis or alcohol.