The Mazan rape trial, now in its 36th day, continues to draw public attention as Gisèle Pélicot faces 51 defendants accused of “aggravated rape.” This week’s hearings spotlight Florian R., who admits to the act but claims it was unintentional and thought to be consensual. His contradictory statements and the explicit instructions given beforehand are scrutinized, raising doubts about his defense. The trial reveals disturbing justifications and highlights the ongoing support for Pélicot amid the shocking testimonies.
On Thursday, October 24, 2024, the 36th day of hearings in the Mazan rape trial commenced. Like in previous weeks, Gisèle Pélicot received a warm reception from the audience, who have consistently shown support during this widely publicized ordeal. Journalists, civil parties, and other attendees gathered to listen as the defendants attempted to justify their actions. A total of 51 defendants face allegations of “aggravated rape” against Gisèle Pélicot in the Vaucluse departmental criminal court. Each day of the trial unveils a series of appalling, shocking, and indefensible statements.
Florian R. Claims Rape Was “Out of Carelessness”
This week’s hearings spotlight six defendants, including 32-year-old Florian R., who was in the spotlight on Thursday to present his perspective on the events of December 13, 2019. He stated, “I acknowledge the facts, but not the intention.” This delivery driver mirrors the defense strategy of many of his co-defendants. However, Roger Arata, the presiding judge, highlighted inconsistencies in Florian R.’s statements, noting that he only began to admit certain elements after being shown video evidence. Throughout the investigation and during his testimony, Florian R. has contradicted himself repeatedly. In court, as he viewed two videos, he recognized that “it’s a rape scene,” yet claimed that it was not perceived as such “in his mind” at the time. He characterized the incident as a rape of “inattention” and asserted that he thought it was a “consensual three-way sex game” involving the Pélicot couple.
“If You Start to Ejaculate, Let Me Know”
During questioning, Florian R. outlined explicit instructions he received from Dominique Pélicot. He recalled, “I arrive in front of his house, he tells me to warm my hands, undress, be careful… like the others.” Furthermore, prior to arriving at the Pélicot home, he had received detailed guidance through exchanges on the Coco.fr forum, including: “Be careful, no violence, if you start to ejaculate, let me know: I’ll give you a paper.” Florian R. is seen holding a paper towel in the recorded videos, which the prosecutor noted. He acknowledged feeling aroused, differing from some co-defendants who argue that they experienced rape without pleasure, but he maintained that he “did not ejaculate.”
An assistant pressed him, “You show up at the home of a couple you don’t know and have unprotected intercourse. Do you usually wear a condom?” Florian R. replied, “Usually yes, but that evening, I didn’t think twice.” Dominique Pélicot remarked on the situation, stating, “An agreement was made; he knew the conditions. What happened was that there was ejaculation: he takes the paper, which he uses.” Throughout the trial, Dominique Pélicot has consistently challenged the defense claims that the defendants were unaware of the victim’s unconscious state.