International

Retired man on trial for drugging wife for rape ring, 50 others accused

A retired man accused of drugging his wife for nearly a decade to deliver her to strangers who raped her in their home in southern France is currently on trial, in a case involving 50 other defendants.

The hearings for this landmark case, which highlights abuse through chemical submission, will take place over four months before a criminal court composed of professional judges in Avignon.

Gisèle P., the 72-year-old victim, remained stoic on the second day of this high-profile trial in Avignon, where the 51 defendants, including her partner of nearly 50 years, face up to 20 years in prison for aggravated rape.

The 51 defendants, all men aged 21 to 68 at the time the crimes were discovered, will appear until December 20, with 18 of them in the defendants’ enclosure.

The list includes individuals from various professions and backgrounds: firefighter, shopkeeper, nurse, former police officer, electrician, businessman, journalist, among others, both single and married or divorced. None have notable psychological disorders, but all, according to forensic experts, exhibit a sense of “omnipotence” over the female body.

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Most had only visited the main defendant’s home in Mazan once, while ten visited several times, some for up to six nights. Many claim they believed they were participating in the fantasies of a libertine couple.

However, according to the 71-year-old primary defendant, “everyone knew” that his wife was drugged without consent. He argues that “each individual had free will” and could have “left” upon realizing the situation.

The retired man, a former employee of the EDF electricity company, admitted to administering powerful anxiolytics, primarily Temesta, to his wife without informing her.

According to his statements, he began doing this in 2011, when the couple, together since 1971, lived in the Paris region before moving to Mazan in 2013.

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International

Oil prices surge again as Middle East tensions persist

Oil prices climbed again on Friday for a second consecutive session, as markets remained concerned about a prolonged conflict in the Middle East with no tangible diplomatic progress.

North Sea Brent crude for May delivery rose 4.22% to close at $112.57 per barrel.

Meanwhile, U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) approached the $100 mark, settling at $99.64, up 5.46%.

The decision by U.S. President Donald Trump to delay by ten days his ultimatum for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz failed to reassure market participants.

“It means there will be ten additional days of disruptions in the Middle East for crude and refined product flows,” said Andy Lipow, of Lipow Oil Associates.

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“For prices to come down, a resolution to the conflict is necessary,” Lipow added. “And even in the event of a ceasefire, it is not certain that Iran would allow oil shipments to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.”

International

Young Spanish Woman Receives Euthanasia After Legal Battle, Sparking Debate

A 25-year-old Spanish woman, Noelia Castillo, received euthanasia on Thursday following a prolonged legal dispute with her father.

She passed away at a care center in Sant Pere de Ribes, about 40 kilometers from Barcelona, where she had been living for some time, according to Spanish media reports.

In an interview broadcast a day earlier on Antena 3, Castillo expressed her exhaustion after enduring prolonged suffering. She indicated that her decision was influenced by a combination of personal circumstances and health-related challenges, including family conflicts and a condition of paraplegia following a previous incident that left her with lasting physical consequences.

Spain legalized euthanasia in 2021, becoming one of the few countries that allow patients under strict conditions to seek medical assistance to end their lives in order to avoid what the law defines as unbearable suffering.

The case has reignited debate in Spain over the ethical, legal, and family dimensions surrounding euthanasia, as well as the broader issue of support for individuals in vulnerable situations.

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International

Over 300 U.S. Troops Wounded Since Start of Iran Conflict, CENTCOM Says

More than 300 U.S. service members have been injured since the start of the conflict with Iran on February 28, the United States Central Command confirmed on Friday.

“Since the beginning of Operation Epic Fury, approximately 303 U.S. service members have been wounded. The vast majority of these injuries are minor, and 273 troops have already returned to duty,” said U.S. Navy Captain Tim Hawkins.

A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity to AFP, indicated that 10 American troops remain seriously injured.

According to the latest figures, an additional 13 U.S. service members have been killed since the conflict began, including seven in the Gulf region and six in Iraq.

Meanwhile, Iran’s armed forces warned on Friday that hotels hosting U.S. troops in the region could be considered legitimate military targets.

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“When U.S. forces enter a hotel, from our perspective that hotel becomes American,” said armed forces spokesperson Abolfazl Shekarchi in remarks broadcast on state television.