Anticipation builds for the verdict in the Mazan rape trial, set for December 20, as defense lawyers prepare their arguments amid calls for nearly 584 years of imprisonment from prosecutors. Initial pleas for acquittal raise contentious debates about consent, with defense attorneys asserting their clients’ innocence and victimization. The case has sparked significant public and media backlash against defense lawyers, leading to personal attacks and harassment, prompting some to file complaints over treatment and threats faced during the trial.
The Countdown to the Mazan Rape Trial Verdict
The anticipation surrounding the verdict of the Mazan rape trial is reaching a fever pitch, with the decision expected on December 20. As the clock ticks down, defense lawyers have less than 48 hours to present their arguments. Public prosecutors have made a significant demand for justice, seeking a total of nearly 584 years in prison, with Dominique Pélicot facing a potential sentence ranging from 4 to 20 years. In stark contrast, some defense attorneys are boldly advocating for the complete acquittal of their clients.
Contentious Pleadings and Reactions in Court
In the initial week of arguments, Me Christophe Bruschi was the first to call for acquittal on behalf of his client, who is uniquely charged with “sexual assault.” He was soon joined by Me Sylvie Menvielle, who on December 10, 2024, sought acquittal for her client, Husamettin D. This request drew ire from Gisèle Pélicot, who was unsettled by implications of consent between her client and the primary victim, suggesting a “willingness to exchange” or even a “sexual game involving three.” Me Menvielle justified her statements by referencing certain movements captured in filmed footage.
On December 12, 2024, Me Crepin-Dehaene also pushed for acquittal for her clients, Ahmed T. and Redouane E., presenting them as victims in front of the Vaucluse criminal court and advocating for the restoration of their “honor.” Throughout her arguments, she emphasized the harassment faced by defense lawyers in this high-profile case. She asserted that her clients were misled by Dominique Pélicot, believing they were partaking in a “film” or a “libertine scenario.” “Let’s be realistic, these men have been manipulated,” she declared, defending their character as stable individuals without any mental health issues or deviant tendencies.
Me Crepin-Dehaene also took a stand against the treatment of female attorneys representing the accused, sharing her own experiences of public judgment and harassment throughout the trial. “I have no hesitation in defending men; my commitment to their innocence is unwavering. I stand before you advocating for an acquittal. Mr. T. has no criminal record,” she asserted emphatically. She also condemned the hostile reactions from women protesting outside the court, detailing the derogatory insults such as “slut” and “whore” that defense lawyers have endured, along with being denied access to certain court areas.
Furthermore, Me Nadia El Bouroumi, another defense attorney, filed a harassment complaint after facing severe backlash at the trial’s outset in September 2024. Her comments regarding Gisèle Pélicot’s behavior and that of her husband elicited a strong social media response, leading to widespread outrage. In response to the backlash, she quickly issued apologies, claiming her words had been “misinterpreted,” and emphasized her view of Gisèle Pélicot as a vulnerable victim.
Despite her efforts to clarify her position, Me El Bouroumi encountered intense media scrutiny, threats, and harassment. “My children have also been victims of this harassment, both online and in public spaces. Consequently, I have decided to file a complaint,” she stated, highlighting the far-reaching impact of the case on her personal life.