Frenchman Dominique Pelicot Misses Trial Amid Shocking Rape Case Owing to Declining Health

Dominique Pelicot, a 71-year-old Frenchman, accused of drugging his wife and enabling her rape by dozens over years, will miss his trial due to deteriorating health. His absence may force a delay in the trial involving 50 men alleged of raping his wife. His lawyer disclosed Pelicot's worsening condition, adding he possibly has a bladder infection or colic.

Dominique Pelicot, a 71-year-old Frenchman accused of drugging his wife and recruiting dozens of strangers to rape her, will not participate in his trial this week due to deteriorating health, his lawyer announced on Wednesday.

Pelicot, the main defendant in a case that has shocked France, was scheduled to testify earlier this week. However, his appearance was delayed after he was hospitalized. "Mr. Pelicot's condition has worsened. He will not be present tomorrow or Friday," his lawyer Beatrice Zavarro stated, without elaborating on his condition.

The chief judge had suggested that the entire trial might be paused if Pelicot's health continued to decline. About 50 men accused of raping Pelicot's heavily sedated wife Gisele over a decade are also on trial. Prosecutors allege that Pelicot offered sex with his wife on a website and recorded the assaults. Zavarro mentioned that her client might be suffering from a bladder infection or colic as he undergoes further medical examination in jail.

(With inputs from agencies.)