Dominique Pelicot, 71, has confessed to drugging his ex-wife and orchestrating a scheme where dozens of men raped her over nearly a decade. He appeared in court seeking forgiveness and admitting to his crimes. The case, which has shocked France, has sparked nationwide protests in support of his wife Gisele, who has become a symbol of the fight against sexual violence. Pelicot claimed his abusive behavior stemmed from trauma in his youth and a desire for partner swaps that his wife refused. He said he filmed the assaults as a form of insurance against the men involved. Gisele Pelicot, who insisted on a public trial, was greeted with applause in court. Prosecutors stated that Pelicot, along with 50 other men, are facing charges of rape, with evidence including photographs and videos of the acts. The trial is expected to continue until December, with potential penalties of up to 20 years in prison for the defendants. The case has brought attention to the issue of sexual violence and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable.
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