Mazan rape trial: Dominique Pelicot absent due to worsening state of health

According to Roger Arata, president of the Vaucluse criminal court, the state of health of Dominique Pelicot, the main defendant in the Mazan rape trial, has deteriorated considerably. As a result, he will be unable to appear on Thursday and Friday, and his presence cannot be envisaged before Monday at the earliest.

“His state of health has worsened (…) He is unable to appear on Thursday and Friday. I think he will be hospitalized and cared for on site. He won’t be able to be present until Monday at the earliest”, declared Roger Arata on Wednesday September 11. Dominique Pelicot, who had already been excused from appearing on Monday and Tuesday due to intestinal pains, had reappeared this morning in a visibly weakened state, with drawn features and holding his head in his hands.

The president of the court had then ordered a new forensic examination to assess the situation and determine the next steps in this trial, in which Dominique Pelicot is on trial alongside 50 other defendants for the aggravated rape of his ex-wife, Gisèle Pelicot, at their home in Mazan (Vaucluse) between 2011 and 2020.

Trial to continue despite absence of main defendant

Despite Dominique Pelicot’s absence, Roger Arata has decided that the trial will continue as planned. The presiding judge emphasized that the aim is to maintain the busy forward schedule of the trial, which is due to run until December 20. “Tomorrow morning, there is no difficulty for us to continue, and we will advise tomorrow for the following days,” he said.

Experts are due to be heard on Thursday and Friday to present the personalities of the first four co-defendants: Jean-Pierre M., 63, Cyrille D., 54, Jacques C., 72, and Lionel R., 44. Their interrogation is also scheduled.

However, Roger Arata acknowledged the complexity of continuing the hearing of certain co-defendants without the presence of Dominique Pelicot, suggesting that a temporary suspension of the trial might be considered.