French lawyers condemn 'sexism' of Depardieu's defence in abuse trial
Jeremie Assous has deployed an unusually aggressive style of defence since the start of Depardieu's trial.
The actor is in the dock charged with sexual assault on two women during the filming in 2021 of "Les Volets Verts" ("The Green Shutters") by director Jean Becker. They are a set dresser, 54, identified only as Amelie, and a 34-year-old assistant director.
During the trial Assous called them "liars" and "hysterical", accused them of working for the cause of "rabid feminism" and having brought their case exclusively for the sake of media attention. He also referred to feminists demonstrating outside the courtroom as "half-brain amputated".
In the open letter, his colleagues said Assous's strategy went beyond "even the most generous interpretation of the right to defend", saying Depardieu's lawyer had "used sexism and misogyny to his heart's delight" to discredit the plaintiffs and their legal team.
"Sexism against lawyers cannot be allowed in courtrooms any longer," the letter said, deploring the "complete silence" of court officials in the face of Assous's remarks, as well as the absence of any reaction by the bar association despite complaints by the two women's legal teams.
"A judiciary that silently tolerates sexism, for accounting or administrative reasons, is not up to the challenges of this day and age," the letter said.
The legal system needed to "respect women because they are women, and all the more so when they are present in this space as lawyers".
The letter said the lawyers would examine whether the court's silence in the face of Assous's strategies constituted an "ethical failing".
Prosecutors in the trial on Thursday recommended a suspended jail sentence of 18 months for Depardieu.
The lead prosecutor, in his closing statement, also asked for him to be fined 20,000 euros ($21,500) and to pay damages to the plaintiffs.
He said Depardieu should also be ordered to undergo psychological treatment, and be included in France's sex offender registry.
Depardieu, who has acted in more than 200 films and television series, has been accused of improper behaviour by around 20 women but this is the first case to come to trial.
The court is to hand down its verdict on May 13.