A Frenchman accused of raping his wife while under the influence of drugs has been admitted to hospital, said the lawyer
Written by Antony Paone
AVIGNON, France (Reuters) – A 71-year-old man on trial in France accused of beating his wife and inviting dozens of strangers to rape him at their home was admitted to hospital on Tuesday for examination and treatment, his lawyer told reporters.
Dominique Pelicot, the main defendant in the case that will be heard until December and that has shocked France, was supposed to testify later in the day but the presiding judge told him to be examined first.
“Mr. Pelicot is not trying to escape his responsibility, he will not avoid his responsibility,” said defense attorney Beatrice Zavarro, adding that her client began showing signs of a possible bladder infection or seizure on Friday.
Prosecutors say Pelicot offered his wife sex on a website and filmed the abuse. Another 50 men accused, over a period of ten years, of raping her while she was unconscious due to drugs are also in court.
Zavarro told French media that Pelicot confessed to his crimes. Some of the defendants were of all ages and walks of life, French media said, adding that some admitted their guilt and others said they thought the wife had hit her while she was asleep.
Each person faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
