Self-proclaimed hypnotherapist faces rape trial in southern France

A dance teacher and self-taught hypnotherapist is on trial in France accused of drugging and sexually assaulting multiple women.

Cyril Zattara is charged with raping 14 women over a period of around ten years.

He also faces accusations of secretly filming about 20 other women during sexual encounters.

Zattara has been held in detention since 2021 and has admitted to 10 of the rape charges.

The trial is taking place behind closed doors in Aix-en-Provence at the request of one alleged victim.

Investigators allege Zattara slipped sleeping pills into drinks before carrying out assaults.

Police said he often targeted women he knew personally or had intimate relationships with.

Photos and videos found on his computer allegedly show victims in a lethargic state during sex.

One complainant said she lost consciousness after drinking wine he offered and later recalled fragments of the assault.

Forensic tests found Zattara’s DNA on her body and sedative drugs in her system.

The case has drawn comparisons with another recent high-profile French sexual abuse trial.

The proceedings are expected to last at least two weeks.