French hypnotherapist on trial accused of drugging and raping 14 women

Cyril Zattara is on trial in Aix-en-Provence accused of drugging and raping 14 women and has admitted to 10 of the charges; the hearing is being held behind closed doors.

Cyril Zattara, a 47-year-old dance teacher who describes himself as a hypnotherapist, is on trial in Aix-en-Provence accused of drugging and sexually assaulting multiple women over about a decade. He has been in detention for five years and has admitted to 10 of the 14 alleged rapes. Investigators reported finding traces of tranquillisers in victims' tests and said they recovered photos and videos on his computer showing women in an impaired state. A judge ordered the hearing to be held behind closed doors at the request of one of the civil parties. Key details: - The defendant is charged with raping 14 women over roughly 10 years and has admitted to 10 of those charges. - He has been detained for five years and is currently being tried in Aix-en-Provence. - Investigators reported blood and hair tests showing tranquillisers and said images and videos were found on the defendant's computer. - The trial is being held behind closed doors following a court order; some victims had asked for a public hearing. Summary: Authorities describe a pattern of alleged drugging and sexual assaults supported by forensic tests and digital material cited as evidence. The trial is under way in Aix-en-Provence and is taking place behind closed doors. Undetermined at this time.