Husband drugged wife, recruited over 70 men to rape her, prosecutors say
Washington PostSEP 2024
France: Man Accused of Letting 72 Men Rape Wife Goes on Trial
Image copyright: Pascal Le Segretain/Staff/French Select via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
This extremely shocking case contains details that are distressing to read, but that is nothing compared to what Gisèle will have to endure during the trial. For 10 years she went unaware of her abuses, now she will have to live through the rapes committed in her house by her husband. We should all be saluting her courage in pushing for a public trial, to raise awareness and ensure that what happened to her never happens to anyone again.
Narrative B
While Giséle's bravery in dealing with this legal process should certainly be applauded, it is questionable whether she should have the right to publicly reveal the identities of the accused in this trial. Some senior lawyers have suggested that such information should only be scrutinized once individuals have been convicted, so as to avoid stigma and judgement for those who may turn out to be innocent. Anonymity is a key protection that should have been afforded in this case.