Trial of the 'Monster of Avignon' exposes dark web of deception

Dominique Pelicot, dubbed by the media as the "Monster of Avignon," is on trial for the brutal sexual assault of his wife, which allegedly lasted for ten years. Pelicot regularly invited strangers he found online. They feel deceived, believing they are participating in a role-play between the spouses, with the woman pretending to be unaware.

According to the Daily Mail, Pelicot admitted that he regularly drugged his wife, Gisele, by adding narcotics to her evening meals and wine to render her unconscious. He then brought men into their home in southern France, who sexually assaulted the woman in their shared bedroom.

Evidence of Pelicot's heinous acts, in the form of over 20,000 photos of the crimes, was discovered after his arrest in 2020. He was reported to the police only after being caught photographing women's underwear in a local supermarket.

In the ongoing case, Pelicot, along with 50 other men – identified by the police as accomplices – is facing various charges related to rape and sexual assault. Although the 71-year-old pleaded guilty, most accused claim they were "deceived." They explain that Pelicot allegedly informed them that his wife was voluntarily participating in an erotic game where she pretended to be unaware.

During the trial, which is taking place in the criminal court in Vaucluse, seven men gave their first testimonies, including a nurse, a construction worker, and a confectioner, who played significant roles in this shocking scandal. Throughout the hearings, Pelicot is escorted to court under strict security – transported in an armoured vehicle, protected by a motorcycle convoy. Photos of the accused have already reached the media. He, however, attempted to cover his face.

The trial of Pelicot and his co-defendants will continue until the end of the year, and numerous protests are already taking place in France, where people express solidarity with the victim. The world anxiously awaits the outcome of this horrifying trial, which has undoubtedly changed how society views the dangers of the misuse of the internet and the trust we place in those closest to us.