'Rapists, we see you; victims, we believe you': Protestors rally in solidarity with Gisèle Pélicot in France

Around 700 people gathered at Place de la République in Paris to show solidarity with 71-year-old Gisèle Pélicot and all victims of rape in France. Pélicot, who was allegedly drugged by her ex-husband for over a decade, allowing dozens of men to rape her while she was unconscious, has emerged as a powerful symbol in the country's battle against sexual violence. (Photo: Reuters)

Many demonstrators carried banners applauding Pélicot for bravely speaking out about her horrific ordeal, while offering reassurance to other victims of sexual violence that they are not alone. One banner read, "Victims, we believe you. Rapists, we see you." Since the start of her trial on September 2, Pélicot has been widely praised for her courage and composure. (Photo: Reuters)

Supporters of Gisèle Pélicot gathered, holding signs that read, "Gisèle, we believe you. Rapists, shame on you." Most of the defendants are denying the rape charges. Some argue that they believed the husband's consent was enough for sexual activity, while others claim Dominique Pélicot misled them into thinking his wife had consented. (Photo: Reuters)

Magali Lafourcade, magistrate and secretary general of the National Consultative Commission on Human Rights, expressed her admiration for Gisèle Pélicot. She pointed out that in France, studies indicate that nine out of ten women who experience rape do not file charges, and of those who do, nearly 80% of the cases are dismissed. The protestors carried banner quoting Toustes avec Gisele- All with Gisele, to show the solidarity. (Photo: Reuters)

Banners quoting "1 viol toustes les 6 minutes" – one rape every six minutes, noted that a rape occured every six minutes in France, a stark reminder of the prevalence of sexual violence in the country. Throughout the course of her trial, Gisèle Pélicot will confront all 51 of her alleged rapists. (Photo: Reuters)

Pélicot has been widely praised for her decision to keep the trial public, allowing journalists to use her full name and permitting the court to display explicit videos recorded by her husband, which show men engaging in sexual acts with her unconscious body. She has stated that these choices were made in solidarity with other women whose experiences as victims of sexual crimes often go unacknowledged. (Photo: Reuters)

Gisèle Pélicot will confront her ex-husband, Dominique Pélicot, with whom she spent over 50 years and raised three children. Dominique Pélicot has already confessed to the crimes during the investigation. However, his court hearing will be pivotal, as it could influence the judges' decisions regarding the 50 other men accused of rape. (Photo: Reuters)