On January 5, in Aix-en-Provence, the trial began of a man accused of having drugged and raped fourteen women. Behind the reassuring image of Cyril Zattara (a dance teacher and “therapist”) hid a predator who allegedly operated for ten years. The man, now aged 47 and in pre-trial detention for almost five years, faces up to 30 years of criminal imprisonment.
A procedure based on “trust”
The alleged facts extend from 2010 to 2021. The investigation began in 2019, thanks to the complaint of a 24-year-old student. She says she met the accused during a dance evening, then saw him again for a hypnosis session. After a glass of wine, she experiences hot flashes, partially loses consciousness and wakes up with fragmented memories. Tests will reveal the presence of GHB and zolpidem, a powerful sleeping pill. DNA from the accused was found under his fingernails and on his clothes. During the searches, investigators then discovered photos and videos of a sexual nature, methodically classified. According to the prosecution, fourteen women were raped after being drugged, and five others joined as civil parties.
The pattern, described by the investigators, was always the same:
- Making contact in a dance club;
- A relationship of trust built around listening and the promise of “care” through hypnosis;
- A complimentary drink (wine or water);
- The discreet administration of a sleeping pill;
- Then the sexual assault, in a state of astonishment or unconsciousness.
A fact that the accused would not have denied, even if certain older complaints, including that of his cousin, had been dismissed, due to the statute of limitations.
Chemical submission, more common than we think
The chilling story is reminiscent of the Mazan rape affair, in which Gisèle Pélicot was drugged for 10 years by her husband, to be used to rape. Long associated with festive evenings, it is now a fact: chemical submission is also present, and massively, in the private sphere.
In a previous article, Dr. Ghada Hatem, founder of the Maison des Femmes in Saint-Denis, recalled this bluntly:
“For a long time, doctors have known about festive chemical submissions, in bars or nightclubs. Now, they are also aware of the chemical submission that happens in the private sphere, without GHB but with simple medications.”
According to data from the National Medicines Safety Agency, the close environment (family, friends or professional) is very often involved. Victims are predominantly women, but men, transgender people, children and the elderly can also be affected. If they do not always hide serial rapes, these facts remind us that the threat is still too underestimated.
How do you know you are a victim? Signs that should alert
During these various interventions, the head of the Paris addictovigilance center, Leila Chaouachi, details the symptoms that can put you on the path. And that every woman should know:
“Black-out, black hole, total or partial amnesia, drowsiness up to coma, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, in the presence of possible criminal or tortious acts.”
She insists: “When you have unusual symptoms, you have to listen to this doubt. I prefer that we doubt and be wrong than the other way around.”
These signs are sometimes accompanied by chronic fatigue, repeated headaches, unexplained infections, intimate pain or unusual memory loss.
How to react: talk, get examined, even without complaint
Specialists are unanimous: acting quickly can change everything. If in doubt:
- Go to a medical-judicial institute or a Women’s Center;
- Do not wash in the event of a recent attack; store clothes in a paper bag;
- Request a quick blood test (some substances disappear within a few hours);
- Know that hair analyzes can be carried out retrospectively.
“It’s the same procedure as after a rape”recalls Dr. Hatem. “Removing doubt can help save a victim from a cycle of repeated violence.”
Also remember, since January 1, 2026, three French regions have been testing full reimbursement for chemical submission analyses, even in the absence of a complaint.
An essential measure to remove one of the main obstacles to screening, the fear of the legal procedure, and allow victims to have their doubts verified without pressure, for medical purposes above all.