Disgraced Frenchman who recruited strangers to rape wife, kept daughter's doctored images in computer
This court sketch made on September 2, 2024 shows defendant Dominique P. (R) during his trial in which he is accused of drugging his wife for nearly ten years and inviting strangers to rape her at their home in Mazan, a small town in the south of France, at the courthousein Avignon. Photograph:( AFP )
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The accused kept the doctored photos of his daughter in his computer. The discovery of these images prompted an emotional outburst from the daughter, who was escorted out of the courtroom by her two brothers and lawyer, only to return 20 minutes later.
The accused kept the doctored photos of his daughter in his computer. The discovery of these images prompted an emotional outburst from the daughter, who was escorted out of the courtroom by her two brothers and lawyer, only to return 20 minutes later.
Trigger warning: Some readers may find the details in this report disturbing. Discretion is advised.
The trial of Dominique Pélicot, a 71-year-old French man accused of orchestrating the repeated sexual assault of his drugged wife by dozens of strangers, has sent shockwaves across the world. This week, as the details of the case unfolded, emotions ran high in the courtroom where Pélicot’s daughter temporarily left the proceedings after becoming overwhelmed.
Pélicot’s alleged crimes were uncovered in September 2020 under disturbing circumstances. A security guard in Carpentras, a town near Avignon, apprehended Pélicot after catching him filming up women’s skirts in a supermarket. Upon further investigation, authorities discovered far more sinister activities.
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The ongoing trial in southern France's Avignon has drawn international attention due to the severity of the charges.
Pélicot faces rape charges along with 50 other men he allegedly recruited online to abuse his wife, Gisèle Pélicot.
The investigation so far has pointed out that she was unaware of the abuse due to her sedated state during the crime.
During the second day of the trial, presiding judge Roger Arata presented the main findings of the investigation.
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Among the evidence discussed were disturbing images found on Pélicot’s computer, including doctored photos of the couple's daughter, who uses the pseudonym Caroline Darian. The discovery of these images prompted an emotional outburst from Darian, who was escorted out of the courtroom by her two brothers and lawyer, only to return 20 minutes later.
In 2022, Darian published a book titled Et J’ai Cesse de T’appeler Papa ("And I Stopped Calling You Dad"), detailing the impact of her father’s alleged crimes on the family. Meanwhile, Gisèle Pélicot has remained composed throughout the trial, attending every session alongside her children, who have supported her decision to keep the trial public.
The case has cast a spotlight on the dark corners of the internet, as Pélicot is accused of using an online forum called “Without her knowledge” on a now-defunct website, Coco, to recruit men to rape his wife. Investigators uncovered thousands of photos and videos documenting the abuse, showing Gisèle Pélicot in a drugged, unconscious state. The footage allegedly depicts the assaults taking place in the couple’s home in Mazan, a small village in Provence.
Authorities have identified 72 suspects in connection with the case, though only 50 have been located. Eighteen of these men, including Pélicot, are currently in custody, while the remaining 32 are being tried as free men. If convicted, they face up to 20 years in prison for aggravated rape.
The final verdict is awaited in December.
(With inputs from agencies)
