Dark days in France.

 Has there ever been a more extraordinary rape trial anywhere - than the one currently in Paris? Gisele Pelicot, is in her late 60’s a mother and grandmother and is - accusing her husband and 50 men of rape. Her lawyer was on Newsnight on Monday - Stephane Babonneau, as he explained very carefully the gravity of the case against these so called ‘ordinary men’ across France. How is this case possible? How did it happen over a ten year period and no condoms were used? How could her husband recruit these men on the internet and have her repeatedly raped? She was medicated and drugged by her husband - who then videos the rapes. She wanted this case to be in open court - so all the evidence can be seen publicly for the first time. She wanted journalists and the media reporting the case both domestically and internationally. She wanted the world to see how women are often used as ‘trash bags’ by men who congenitally hate women. 

The very hierarchical, paternalistic structures of society are deliberately constructed to make women feel inherently inferior. France and all countries have deep hostility and misogyny regarding women. We witness it every day whether in London, Paris, New Deli, New York or wherever. Women are constantly harassed, abused, raped and belittled by men. Women are systematically devalued and attacked by men. This is a profound and a deeply disturbing truth and men should - face up to it. 

This case has been fortunate - in so far that there is evidence on video of these systematic rapes and abuses. Under normal circumstances it’s - one person claims against another, but this cause celebre dramatically changed that status quo. It has enabled Gisele Pelicot, to have her revenge on these 50 or so men, including her husband Dominique. The trial continues.