Paris, France

Hundreds of people marched across France on Saturday (Sep 14) in solidarity with Gisele Pelicot, a woman whose husband is currently on trial on charges of drugging her and recruiting dozens of strangers to rape her for over a decade. 

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Feminist associations have called for nearly 30 gatherings in multiple cities across France, from Marseille to Paris. In the French capital, at the Place de la Republique dozens gathered with banners that read "Support to Gisele," "Shame Must Change Camp,” and “Victims We believe you”.

The case has shaken the whole nation since the matter came out earlier this month. 

Pelicot, 72, has become a symbol of courage and resilience and of the fight against sexual violence. 

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Also read: France rape horror: Monstrous husband says wife refused to try 'swinging', forced him to commit heinous crime

Her lawyers said that she was the one who decided to forgo a private trial and instead insisted on a public trial, due to run until December, to alert the public to sexual abuse and drug-indicted blackouts. 

The 71-year-old Dominique Pelicot has been accused of repeatedly raping and enlisting strangers to abuse his heavily intoxicated wife in their home over a decade. 

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Initially, he was due to testify this week but was excused due to his ill health. He is scheduled to testify on Monday (Sep 16). 

Watch | France: Mass rape shocks nation, support pours in for survivor Gisele

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Feminist Fatima Benomar from the “Coudes a Coudes” association told BFM TV, "We thank her a thousand times for her enormous courage", adding that the gatherings were also to pay tribute to all rape victims. 

Pelicot's lawyer Beatrice Zavarro told French media that he has admitted to his crimes. Some of the other defendants have admitted their guilt while others say they thought the wife had pretended to be asleep, according to French media.

All the accused face up to 20 years each in prison if found guilty. 

(With inputs from agencies)