Frenchman Accused of Mass Rapes of Drugged Wife Unfit to Testify This Week, Reports Reuters

By Antony Paone

AVIGNON, France (Reuters) – Dominique Pelicot, a 71-year-old Frenchman, who faces accusations of drugging his wife and enlisting numerous strangers to assault her, will not participate in his trial this week due to deteriorating health, as disclosed by his attorney on Wednesday.

Pelicot, the primary suspect in a case that has sent shockwaves across France, was anticipated to testify earlier this week. However, his scheduled appearance was postponed after he was hospitalized.

"Mr. Pelicot’s condition has become more serious. He will not be present tomorrow or Friday," his lawyer, Beatrice Zavarro, stated, without revealing further details about his ailment.

The presiding judge indicated that the trial could be paused if Pelicot’s health worsens further. Alongside him, around 50 men accused of raping his heavily sedated wife, Gisele, over a period of ten years are also facing trial.

Prosecutors allege that Pelicot solicited sexual acts with his wife on a website and recorded the abuse. Zavarro mentioned that her client was "still in a lot of pain" when he left court for additional medical evaluations, which are to be conducted while he remains in custody. She speculated that Pelicot might be suffering from a bladder infection or colic.