Day: 20 December 2024

‘French mass rape trial sentencing’ & ‘Labour crashing the economy’ – Paper Talk UK 

News Briefing

Almost all of Friday’s front pages lead with French rape victim Gisèle Pelicot after her ex-husband Dominique Pelicot was sentenced to 20 years behind bars for drugging and raping her – and inviting 50 other men to rape her whilst she was unconscious, over ten years.

All the men were convicted on at least one charge.

Gisèle Pelicot’s case has garnered global attention, notably because she waived the right to anonymity and, along with the fact her ex-husband filmed the attacks over the decade, there was so much evidence to present publicly – something not common with rape cases.

Following the sentencing, Pelicot stood outside the court and told the public she did not regret going public with the case and told sex abuse survivors that they “share the same fight”.

Away from Pelicot, there is coverage of the UK economy as the papers react after the Bank of England’s downgrading of the economy’s growth outlook.

Lord Mandelson is expected to be named as the UK’s next ambassador to the US, whilst online many news sites report on a looming US government shutdown.

Crowd Crush at Nigerian School Fair Kills 35 Children

News Briefing

The incident occurred Wednesday at Islamic High School in Basorun, Oyo State, during a crowded school fair near Lagos. Thousands had gathered for the event, organised by Women in Need of Guidance and Support, an NGO founded by Prophetess Naomi Silekunola.

Macron Extends Visit to Mayotte Amid Local Unrest

Europe

During Macron’s initial visit on Thursday, locals jeered and expressed frustration, highlighting the slow response to the crisis. The cyclone struck the Indian Ocean archipelago five days ago, leaving a trail of devastation.