The testimony of a Frenchman who was accused of mass raping his drug-addicted wife has been postponed once more

The presiding judge on Wednesday postponed the testimony of a 71-year-old Frenchman who is accused of drugging his wife and recruiting dozens of strangers to rape her, as he acknowledged that he was still ailing.

After being admitted to the hospital earlier this week, Dominique Pelicot, the primary defendant in a case that has caused significant controversy in France, was scheduled to testify.

Pelicot has been on trial since last week for the repeated rape and enlistment of strangers to abuse his severely sedated wife in the couple’s home over the course of a decade.

On Wednesday, the presiding judge granted defense counsel Beatrice Zavarro’s request to excuse Pelicot, who was frail and reliant on a cane when she appeared in court.

Zavarro stated that her client was “still in a great deal of pain” and was unable to endure a full-day hearing after exhibiting symptoms of what could be a bladder infection on Friday.

Pelicot was subsequently incarcerated for a medical evaluation, and it was uncertain when he would be able to testify in court.

Pelicot was accused by prosecutors of offering sex with his wife on a website and filming the assault. The trial also includes fifty additional individuals who are accused of participating in the abuse.

Zavarro has disclosed to French media Pelicot acknowledges his transgressions. According to French media, certain defendants have acknowledged their guilt, while others maintain that they believed the wife had feigned slumber.

If convicted, each individual may be sentenced to 20 years in prison.