dpa
Paris
Thousands of people have taken part in nationwide protests in France demanding better protection of women amid a high-profile rape case currently awaiting a verdict in court.
The CGT trade union spoke of 100,000 participants at the rallies on Saturday, including 80,000 in Paris. Police estimated the number of demonstrators nationwide at 20,000, the broadcaster France Info reported, with more rallies planned for Monday.
The protests are linked to a prominent trial in the south of France, which is due to end in the next few days.
The main defendant is Dominique Pelicot, who, according to the indictment, drugged and abused his ex-wife Gisèle Pelicot for almost ten years and offered her to other men to be assaulted.
The trial in Avignon has triggered a shockwave in France with calls for better protection of women.
The case has also reignited the debate on sexual consent.
