Website Founder Indicted in France Over Notorious Rape Case

In a significant turn of events in France, Isaac Steidl, the founder of the infamous website coco.fr, has been indicted on multiple charges related to the rape case of Gisèle Pelicot. This case revolving around the sexual abuse of Pelicot by her now ex-husband, Dominique, and dozens of other men has drawn national outrage. The website, which facilitated illicit communication and coordinated assaults, had been operational since 2003 and became notorious during the widely publicized trial resulting in 51 men being convicted of raping Pelicot while she was drugged.

Steidl, facing potential imprisonment of up to a decade and hefty fines, was released under judicial supervision while maintaining his innocence. Prosecutors revealed that coco.fr was implicated in over 23,000 criminal cases, including child pornography and drug trafficking, necessitating an extensive police investigation throughout Europe. As the legal proceedings unfold, public sentiment remains charged, spotlighting issues of digital responsibility in the face of such grave societal harm.