A landmark criminal trial is underway in southern France involving Cyril Zattara, a dance instructor and self-proclaimed hypnotherapist accused of systematically drugging and sexually assaulting numerous women over a ten-year period. The defendant faces charges of raping 14 women and secretly recording approximately 20 additional victims without their consent.
Judicial authorities reveal that Zattara employed a consistent methodology: he would surreptitiously administer potent sedatives into beverages before initiating sexual assaults. Forensic analysis confirmed the presence of powerful sleep-inducing pharmaceuticals in victims’ systems, while DNA evidence conclusively linked Zattara to multiple attacks.
The trial proceedings in Aix-en-Provence are being conducted behind closed doors following a request from one victim, though other survivors had advocated for public proceedings to amplify awareness about sexual violence. Zattara, who has been in pretrial detention since 2021, has reportedly admitted to ten counts of rape while maintaining innocence regarding other charges.
Investigators discovered extensive digital evidence on Zattara’s computer systems, including photographs and videos depicting victims in visibly sedated states during sexual acts. Court documents indicate the perpetrator predominantly targeted women within his social circle, exploiting established relationships and trust.
One victim’s testimony describes attending a hypnosis session with Zattara in 2019, after which she consumed wine provided by the defendant. She reported experiencing fragmented memories of assault followed by violent illness, with forensic evidence corroborating her account.
This case follows another high-profile prosecution in France involving drug-facilitated sexual crimes, highlighting growing judicial attention to complex sexual violence cases involving chemical submission.