Kim Willsher
@kimwillsher.bsky.social
6.8K followers 430 following 510 posts
Foreign correspondent. Journalist. Guardian/Observer Former Reporter of the Year: UK Press Awards www.kimwillsher.com https://muckrack.com/kim-willsher/articles Amateur lino printmaker: IG @parispressart
Posts Media Videos Starter Packs
Reposted by Kim Willsher
kimwillsher.bsky.social
A grim four days in court. My report from the retrial of one of Gisèle Pelicot's rapists who challenged his conviction. The testimony from this and the earlier hearing in Avignon - particularly the appalling videos - can never be unseen or unheard.
observer.co.uk/news/interna...
As Gisèle Pelicot rapist’s jail term is increased, French...
The only man to challenge his sentence has lost his appeal. But campaigners fear old attitudes remain in place
observer.co.uk
kimwillsher.bsky.social
Those who cannot afford a lawyer can apply for legal aid funding depending on income.
One of Dogan's lawyers represented him at the first trial last year. I'm guessing he would have applied for legal aid to pay his lawyers on the same basis.
They may have advised him not to appeal. We do not know.
kimwillsher.bsky.social
Having watched some of the truly horrific videos, it was an extraordinarily brave decision that must have been extremely difficult to take.
kimwillsher.bsky.social
A grim four days in court. My report from the retrial of one of Gisèle Pelicot's rapists who challenged his conviction. The testimony from this and the earlier hearing in Avignon - particularly the appalling videos - can never be unseen or unheard.
observer.co.uk/news/interna...
As Gisèle Pelicot rapist’s jail term is increased, French...
The only man to challenge his sentence has lost his appeal. But campaigners fear old attitudes remain in place
observer.co.uk
kimwillsher.bsky.social
Groundhog Day in France. Four days after Sébastien Lecornu resigned as prime minister, Emmanuel Macron has reappointed him. There's no government but under the French constitution Lecornu has until Monday to submit a 2026 budget.
www.lemonde.fr/en/politics/...
France, in political crisis, risks having no budget
With no government and a hard deadline on October 13 for submitting the budget bill to Parliament, every passing day makes it more likely France will enter 2026 without a budget.
www.lemonde.fr
kimwillsher.bsky.social
Husamettin Dogan’s conviction for the aggravated rape of Gisèle Pelicot while she was under “chemical submission” ie. drugged, upheld by the appeal court. The jury increased his sentence by a year from 9 to 10 years.
Reposted by Kim Willsher
kimwillsher.bsky.social
Gisèle Pelicot will be back in court on Monday after one of the 51 men convicted last year of raping her appealed. She does not have to attend the new trial but is determined to see the case through, her lawyers say.
observer.co.uk/news/interna...
Gisèle Pelicot faces rerun of court trauma after one of h...
Incredulity at convicted man’s claim that victim’s husband tricked him into raping her, despite evidence
observer.co.uk
kimwillsher.bsky.social
Gisèle Pelicot will be back in court on Monday after one of the 51 men convicted last year of raping her appealed. She does not have to attend the new trial but is determined to see the case through, her lawyers say.
observer.co.uk/news/interna...
Gisèle Pelicot faces rerun of court trauma after one of h...
Incredulity at convicted man’s claim that victim’s husband tricked him into raping her, despite evidence
observer.co.uk
kimwillsher.bsky.social
Baffling. For 2 years protestors are allowed to march across Britain calling for the killing of a specific group of people. Then everyone is surprised when people of the specific group are killed? Thoughts for the victims' families. May their memory be a blessing.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Six minutes of terror: how Manchester synagogue attack unfolded
Witnesses screamed ‘he’s got a bomb’ and ‘shoot him’ before suspect was killed by armed police
www.theguardian.com
Reposted by Kim Willsher
janegoodallcan.bsky.social
The Jane Goodall Institute of Canada has learned this morning, Wednesday, October 1st, 2025, that Dr. Jane Goodall DBE, UN Messenger of Peace and Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute, has passed away due to natural causes.

She was in California as part of her speaking tour in the United States.
kimwillsher.bsky.social
Now how about the companies, recommended by UK.gov website, charging those arriving in the UK - including for funerals and sick family - hundreds of pounds a time for Covid tests similar, if not exactly the same, as those the NHS was sending out for free? Making money out of people's misery.
Reposted by Kim Willsher
kimwillsher.bsky.social
And another metal sink! 😱😱
kimwillsher.bsky.social
I know. Terrifying. I went out and bought some insulating tape tout de suite!
In the UK at the time every appliance (including hairdryers and toothbrush chargers), every socket, every plug had to be individually inspected, certified and labelled by a professional electrician.
Reposted by Kim Willsher
emmapearson.bsky.social
The argument against a wealth tax is often that it will discourage entrepreneurship and innovation - take a look at this list of France's wealthiest people and count how often the words inherited/heir/heiress come up . . .
How many billionaires does France have and who are they?
Despite its reputation for high taxes and a strong union movement, France still has dozens of billionaires.
www.thelocal.fr
kimwillsher.bsky.social
Always amazed at how the French casually ignore safety regulations. First flat in Paris had a two-ring electric cooker plate with bare wires underneath right next to a leaky stainless steel sink!
Reposted by Kim Willsher
handle.invalid
The “Block Everything” takes France by storm.

Angry protestors see this as a sequel to the gilets jaunes movement.
The “Block Everything” takes France by storm
Angry protestors see this as a sequel to the gilets jaunes movement.
www.newstatesman.com