A whole lot of individuals gathered Saturday within the southern French city of Avignon forward of the decision in a trial during which dozens of males are accused of raping Gisèle Pelicot whereas she was drugged and rendered unconscious by her husband.

The courtroom is anticipated to ship its verdicts by Dec. 20 within the trial of 51 defendants. Final month, prosecutors requested the panel of judges for the utmost attainable penalty for aggravated rape — 20 years — towards the sufferer’s now ex-husband, Dominique Pelicot, 72.

Gisèle Pelicot, 71, has turn out to be an icon for these preventing towards sexual violence. She testified through the proceedings in regards to the harrowing occasions, which have sparked widespread public consideration.

Outdoors the courth, demonstrators held placards with messages corresponding to, “Victims, we imagine you, rapists we see you,” and, “Disgrace modifications sides.”

One massive banner displayed on a wall learn: “Rape has no nationality.” Elsewhere, activists posted notes with “Light phrases for Gisèle” on a fence.

Activist Marine Thebaud, who’s a member of the Household Planning affiliation, stated: “We hope that justice can be as much as the acts dedicated towards Gisèle, that impunity will finish and that individuals can be punished. We’re right here to point out assist for all victims of patriarchal violence.”

Alain Souberan stated he joined the gathering as a result of his accomplice “is a satisfied feminist who sings within the Avignon feminist choir.”

“Personally, I actually assist this motion. I feel males have their place as supporters too,” he stated.

The trial, which began in September, has drawn consideration past France, with Pelicot’s braveness in dealing with her accusers remodeling her into a logo for victims of sexual violence.