Gisèle Pelicot, a 72-year-old grandmother and survivor of years of abuse, attended a French court hearing on Thursday as her ex-husband and 50 other men were convicted of aggravated rape and related charges. The trial, which has captured national attention, marks a significant moment in France’s ongoing battle against sexual violence.
Judge Roger Arata, who presided over the case, announced the verdicts in the Avignon court, stating, “You are therefore declared guilty of aggravated rape on the person of Mme. Gisèle Pelicot,” as he named the 51 defendants.
Dominique Pelicot, Gisèle’s 72-year-old ex-husband, was found guilty of drugging and repeatedly raping her, while also recruiting strangers online to participate in the assaults. These attacks, often filmed, took place in the couple’s home in Mazan, Provence, as well as in other locations.
Prosecutors had requested the maximum sentence of 20 years for Dominique, with other defendants facing sentences ranging from 10 to 18 years. Additionally, a man convicted of aggravated sexual assault was recommended a four-year sentence.
Dominique Pelicot was sentenced to 20 years in prison for orchestrating and participating in the mass rapes of his ex-wife, Gisèle, with numerous strangers he recruited online. This ruling followed a harrowing three-month trial, which campaigners hope will mark a turning point in France’s fight against sexual violence.
Gisèle’s decision to waive her anonymity and push for public hearings, despite the traumatic nature of the case and the presentation of disturbing video evidence, has made her a symbol of strength and resilience, with many considering her a feminist hero.
During the trial, Dominique admitted to drugging Gisèle with tranquilizers hidden in her food and drink, leaving her unconscious for hours while he and others assaulted her. One defendant was also convicted of drugging and raping his own wife, with Dominique’s assistance, further adding to the horror of the case.
The crimes came to light in September 2020 when Dominique was caught filming up women’s skirts at a supermarket. Investigations uncovered over 20,000 photos and videos stored on hard drives, organized into folders labeled “abuse” and “her rapists.” These files helped identify 72 abusers, though not all could be prosecuted.
Despite the overwhelming video evidence, some defendants denied their involvement, claiming they had been misled by Dominique into believing the acts were consensual. Others argued that Dominique had consented to the acts involving his wife.
The trial has sparked a national debate in France about the legal definition of rape, particularly regarding the issue of consent.
The case has also prompted broader conversations about how society protects women and the role men must play in addressing rape culture. “Men are starting to talk to women — their girlfriends, mothers, and friends — in ways they hadn’t before,” said Fanny Foures of the feminist group Les Amazones. “Some women are realizing, maybe for the first time, that their ex-husbands violated them.”
Gisèle’s courage has inspired many, with campaigners displaying banners reading “MERCI GISELE” outside the courthouse. Her story has sparked national discussions on accountability and the alarming use of drugs in sexual violence cases.
The judges reached their decision through a secret ballot, requiring a majority vote for each conviction and sentence. Sentencing is expected soon, with activists urging for strong penalties to set a precedent in combating sexual violence in France.
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Source: Chronicles Reporters