At the Paris court,
“Victims, we believe you, rapists we see you”, “Shame changes sides”, “You are not the pride of France”… The slogans flirt with the signs and purple scarves on the square in front of the court of Paris. Around a hundred people gathered this Monday, an hour before the start of the hearing during which Gérard Depardieu is to be tried. They responded to the call from several feminist associations in support of the two complainants who accuse the actor of sexual assault on the set of the film The green shutters in September 2021, and more broadly to all victims of gender-based and sexual violence.
“Today, we are together to say to the victims of Gérard Depardieu “we are with you”, to say to those who have not had a trial “we are with you”, to those whose complaints have not been been accepted “we are with you”, to those who are afraid to file a complaint “we are with you””, declares feminist Anna Toumazoff after a speech by activist Caroline de Haas.
Taking over in the fight against sexual violence
Among the activists gathered, a few young men raise their fists. “It’s nice, we feel less alone,” smiles Catherine, 63. This woman, who says she herself has been the victim of insults, sexual harassment or “hands on the butt” throughout her life, believes that these young men present represent “a little hope”. Because “if they are there, it is because they think that women’s fight is as important for them as for women”.
Antoine, who was initially hesitant to come for fear of not being in his place, finally “responded to calls for men to join.” “Our presence here allows us to show that it is not only a women’s story, it is also to show our support for the victims and the people who campaign,” explains the 27-year-old Parisian. “It concerns everyone,” insists Etienne, 28, at his side.
See you in March for a new gathering?
Inside the 10th room of the criminal court, the “monument” of French cinema leaves the defendants’ dock empty. His lawyer, Me Jérémie Assous, warned the same morning of the absence of the person concerned for health reasons, specifying that his client nevertheless wished to be present to defend himself. The council therefore requested the postponement of the trial. “From the moment a person intends to appear but is not in good condition, we can only dismiss them,” he argues. The magistrates follow and order the postponement to March 24 and 25, 2025. A decision accompanied by an obligation of independent medical expertise, responding to the wishes expressed by all the parties during the hearing.
The prosecutor and the lawyers of the civil parties did not oppose the dismissal, the latter also demanding to extend the scheduled hearing time in order to be able to hear all the witnesses cited. “Perhaps we should calibrate additional hearing time (…), especially if we have to take regular breaks for the health of Gérard Depardieu,” defended Me Carine Durrieu-Diebolt. This motion was also heard, with the half-day hearing being extended over two days.
The activists will therefore probably meet again next March. They are the sign, for Catherine, that there is “a youth who is taking over. We were educated to be silent but today there is a generation that is waking up.”
