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Thousands protest in France as high-profile rape cases rock country
September 16, 2024
Article Body TextParis — <p>Thousands of people protested sexual violence across France this past weekend, as two high-profile cases rock the country: one involving a woman who was allegedly drugged and raped by dozens of men for years; the other targeting a once-beloved French clergyman, who fought for the rights of the homeless. </p> <p>In French cities like Marseille and Nantes, both men and women took part in demonstrations calling for an end to sexual violence. </p> <p>They carried signs with messages like “No, to the culture of rape,” and “Gisele, we believe you” — in support of 72-year-old Gisele Pelicot. </p> <p>Pelicot’s former husband is on trial in the southern city of Avignon, accused of drugging her and recruiting dozens of men to rape her over nearly a decade. </p> <figure><img src="https://gdb.voanews.com/638320a6-2aa3-48ca-b41e-151050992035_cx0_cy2_cw100_w1600_r1_n_s.jpg" /><figcaption>A demonstrator holds a sign at a protest in support of rape victims and Gisele Pelicot, who was allegedly drugged and raped by men solicited by her husband, in Paris, France, Sept. 14, 2024. Sign reads, "One rape every 6 minutes."</figcaption></figure> <p>Speaking to reporters on Monday, Pelicot thanked the protesters and other supporters. They have given her force, she said, to fight for all those who are victims of sexual violence. </p> <p>The Avignon trial is only the latest of a raft of sexual violence accusations targeting famous French actors and other figures. </p> <p>Most recently, the spotlight has been on Abbe Pierre, once a crusader for the homeless. For years one of the most popular personalities in France, the priest died in 2007 at the age of 94. But in recent weeks, multiple allegations have surfaced that he sexually assaulted women in France and other countries over the decades. There are now efforts to strike his name from the charities he founded, as well as from parks and streets named after him. </p> <p>Speaking to reporters Friday, Pope Francis said Abbe Pierre did a lot of good, but was also a sinner — and such things must be spoken about, not hidden. </p> <p>The head of the French bishop’s association has since said that at least some French bishops had known about the cleric’s alleged abuses for decades. </p>
Content TypeText
LanguageEnglish
NewsML Media TopicsArts, Culture, Entertainment and Media
Subtitles / Dubbing AvailableNo
NetworkVOA
Embargo DateSeptember 16, 2024 13:09 EDT
BylineLisa Bryant
Brand / Language ServiceVoice of America - English
