Centuries ago, a 19-year-old woman from a French peasant family led an army, defied kings and was executed after a mistrial. Today in 2025, her name is still relevant, she is revered as a feminist icon, rebel and even a canonised saint. Her story is not only about faith and bravery but also about politicised justice and the abuse of due process.

Joan of Arc was a young peasant girl from Domrémy, France, who asserted that she had divine visions commanding her to aid Charles VII and assist in expelling the English from France during the Hundred Years’ War. She emerged as a unique military leader, inspiring and leading the French army with utmost determination. In 1429, she played a vital role in lifting the siege of Orléans, a move that opened the door for Charles VII’s coronation at Reims. She became a symbol of hope and unity for a divided France, and remains an unlikely figure who altered the course of history.

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In 1431, the English along with their allies orchestrated a deeply flawed trial in Rouen against Joan to weaken French morale and discredit her. The proceedings proved to be a mockery of justice, with openly biased judges, denial of legal counsel and imprisonment in violation of canon law. She was charged with several offences including cross-dressing. Church officials often cited Deuteronomy 22:5, to label cross-dressing as a sin. A sign of immodesty and rebellion, in canon law it was seen as defying social and........

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