France Opens Massive Pedophilia Trial

French authorities opened one of the nation's most horrific pedophilia trials Thursday, charging that nearly four dozen babies and children were raped, sexually abused and prostituted by their parents for a little cash, food, alcohol or even cigarettes.

Sixty-six defendants, some facing up to life imprisonment, were brought into a blue-carpeted courtroom specially built in this western city to hold them all. Many of the 39 men and 27 women shifted uncomfortably in their seats, shoulders hunched, looking down at their shoes. Most replied timidly when asked, one by one, to stand, give their age, profession and address.

In French trials, defendants do not plead guilty or innocent at the start of proceedings. Court officials said about half of the accused had admitted involvement in the alleged crimes during questioning.

Investigators say 45 children — from 6 months to 14 years old — were raped or sexually abused from 1999 to 2002 by their parents or people close to them who paid money, food, cigarettes or liquor. A grandfather of some of the children allegedly filmed rapes and other abuse.

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