Feb 21 • 04:30 UTC 🇪🇸 Spain El País

France puts its 'monsters' before the justice system

France is taking action against long-standing cases of sexual violence, highlighting the impunity that many perpetrators have enjoyed.

Recent judicial proceedings in France, such as those involving Gisèle Pelicot and Joël Le Scouarnec, underscore a significant issue of sexual violence and the historic impunity of many French criminals. Gisèle Pelicot's case, which involved being drugged to enable her abuse by at least 50 men, and Le Scouarnec, a surgeon who abused 299 patients, particularly minors, have drawn attention to the urgency of confronting these heinous acts.

The French prosecutor's office has announced a significant investigation into Jacques Leveugle, a 79-year-old man accused of sexually assaulting at least 89 minors over the span of fifty years. This investigation adds to a growing list of high-profile cases that reveal a disturbing trend of sexual violence being neglected for too long. It shows a societal shift toward confronting these offences and seeking justice for victims who have suffered in silence.

As France continues to lift the veil on numerous past abuses, it raises questions about accountability and the need for reform within the judicial system. The significant media attention surrounding these trials indicates a societal demand for change, with advocates calling for more robust protections for vulnerable populations such as children. This moment could signal a turning point in how France addresses sexual violence and supports survivors in the pursuit of justice.

📡 Similar Coverage