**Avignon Rape Trial: Mayor Goes into Hiding After Controversial Remarks** Louis Bonnet, the mayor of Avignon, has gone into hiding following backlash over his comments regarding a disturbing rape case. Bonnet attempted to downplay the severity of the crimes committed by Dominique Pelicot, who has confessed to routinely drugging his wife and permitting numerous men to assault her. The mayor's remarks, which suggested that the situation was less serious because "no one died," have sparked outrage and condemnation from the public and advocacy groups. Many are calling for accountability and a reevaluation of how such cases are addressed by local officials. As the trial unfolds, the focus remains on the grave nature of the allegations against Pelicot and the broader implications for victims of sexual violence. The community is demanding justice and support for those affected by these heinous acts.

Dominique Pélicot, a 71-year-old man, has made a shocking admission in a French court, declaring, “I am a rapist,” as he returned to the dock following a period of illness. His testimony is expected to play a crucial role in the case against 50 other men accused of raping his then-wife, Gisèle, over a span of nine years. Entering the courtroom in Avignon with the aid of a cane, Pélicot addressed the court, stating, “I am a rapist, like the others in this room.” He referred to the group of defendants, whom he allegedly recruited online to participate in the assaults on his wife. The trial has drawn significant attention due to the disturbing nature of the allegations and the number of individuals involved.