French Trial Uncovers Shocking Abuse and Betrayal

A 71-year-old French man, Dominique Pelicot, is on trial for drugging his wife and inviting strangers to rape her, with 50 other men also accused. The trial has shocked France. Pelicot was hospitalized for medical checks and treatment. The trial is set to continue until December.

A 71-year-old man standing trial in France for drugging his wife and facilitating her rape by dozens of strangers was hospitalized on Tuesday for medical checks, his lawyer announced.

Dominique Pelicot, the primary defendant in a case that has horrified the nation, had been scheduled to testify but was ordered to undergo medical tests first by the presiding judge. Defense lawyer Beatrice Zavarro stated, "Mr. Pelicot is not trying to shirk his responsibility, he will not shirk his responsibility." She added that Pelicot began showing symptoms of what might be a bladder infection or colic late last week.

Prosecutors allege that Pelicot offered sex with his wife on a website and documented the abuse through video recordings. The additional 50 men accused of raping her over the span of a decade are also on trial. Zavarro noted that Pelicot has confessed to his crimes. While some of the other defendants have also admitted guilt, others claimed they believed the wife was merely pretending to be unconscious. All convicted could face up to 20 years in prison.

(With inputs from agencies.)