French actor Depardieu's sexual assault trial starts

"All the accusations are lies," criminal defence lawyer Jérémie Assous told the press, adding that he and his team would prove this.

"The truth is on our side." 

The case concerns accusations by two women that Depardieu touched them in intimate areas against their will during the 2021 filming of the movie Les Volets Verts (The Green Shutters) by director Jean Becker. 

In October, a court postponed the trial because of the actor's health. 

Depardieu had to present medical certificates ahead of the trial, which is to last two days. 

Court days may now not last longer than six hours and must be broken up with 15-minute breaks.