A French man who presented himself as a hypnotherapist has gone on trial, accused of raping and sexually assaulting 14 women over several years, in a case that has drawn national attention and raised concerns about the abuse of trust in alternative therapy settings.
Prosecutors allege that the accused used hypnosis sessions to place victims in a vulnerable state before carrying out sexual assaults. The women, many of whom sought treatment for stress, anxiety, or personal difficulties, have told the court they were unable to resist or fully comprehend what was happening during the sessions.
The defendant has denied the charges, arguing that the encounters were consensual and disputing the prosecution’s account of events. His legal team maintains that hypnosis does not remove an individual’s ability to consent, a claim strongly contested by prosecutors and expert witnesses.
The case has sparked wider debate in France about the regulation of hypnotherapy and other alternative practices, which are not subject to the same oversight as medical professions. Advocacy groups say the trial highlights the need for clearer safeguards to protect vulnerable clients.
If convicted, the accused faces a lengthy prison sentence. The trial is expected to continue over several days, with testimony from victims, medical experts, and psychologists.
