Man accused of plotting wife’s rape by at least 50 strangers over almost 10 years in French trial

A man in France is currently on trial, accused of plotting to have his wife raped by at least 50 strangers over a span of nearly a decade. The trial began on Wednesday, with the defendant present in Toulouse's criminal court. According to the accusations, the 43-year-old man created several profiles on adult dating websites, where he pretended to be his wife and invited other men to their home for sex. These men, apparently oblivious to the situation, would then assault the woman, believing it to be consensual. The man's alleged actions were discovered in 2017 when a wary suitor checked the woman's profile and noticed something suspicious. The case has raised serious questions about online safety and consent. Victims' associations in France have deemed the case an extreme example of "virtual" rape by impersonation. The accused faces multiple charges relating to sexual violence, violation of privacy, and endangering the life of another. If convicted, he faces a lengthy prison term.