The 71-year-old Dominique Pélicot, who has largely acknowledged the acts, cannot appear in court due to problems with his bladder and a beginning kidney infection, reports AFP.
The trial against Dominique Pélicot and 50 other men suspected of assaulting 72-year-old Gisèle Pélicot began on September 2 and is expected to last for four months. Several of the defendants risk 20 years in prison for aggravated rape.
The evidence presented includes thousands of images and films showing over 70 different men raping her – assaults that took place over a ten-year period. The defendants are between 25 and 75 years old – among them a former police officer, a local politician, and a journalist.
The case has stirred strong emotions in France. Since the trial began, women dressed in black have demonstrated against violence against women outside the court in Avignon.
The trial is open to the public at the request of Gisèle Pélicot, who has also agreed to have her name and image published.
Dominique Pélicot has not yet testified during the trial, which is now being postponed.
