Thousands protest across France as mass rape trial underway

Thousands of people have joined hundreds of demonstrations across France, spearheaded by feminist groups.

The protesters came out in support of rape victims, calling for an end to sexual violence and gender-based discrimination - and specifically demonstrating against chemical submission, or drug-induced assaults.

In Paris, demonstrators held placards with messages including "an end to the culture of rape", "saying nothing is not consent", and "victims: we believe you, rapists: we see you". Gender-based violence in France has come back into focus because of a mass rape trial that is taking place in the south of the country.

In the trail, 51 men are being tried over a case that has stunned the nation - a woman who was raped by more than 80 men while she was drugged, over a period of 10 years. Dominique Pelicot is accused of having sedated his wife at the time, Gisele Pelicot, and then raped her, and had her raped by men he recruited on the internet for a decade. The attacks, which took place in the family home, were filmed by the husband.

A statement from one of the leading rights groups coordinating the nationwide rallies on Saturday said: "We must stand up against the violence that too many women still suffer every day. Because we are fed up, because enough is enough," adding: "We can no longer stand to see women living in constant fear of chemical submission, in bars and nightclubs, fearing that their drinks are being spiked."

The trial in southern France continues and is expected to last until December 20. The men being tried face up to 20 years in jail for aggravated rape if they are found guilty.

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