In a case that has horrified the world and prompted a reckoning on sexual violence, Dominique Pelicot, the ex-husband of Gisèle Pelicot, was sentenced to 20 years in prison by a French court for drugging his wife and orchestrating her repeated rapes by strangers over nearly a decade. Fifty other men were also convicted of related crimes, with sentences ranging from three to 15 years.
The verdict was the culmination of a three-month trial in Avignon, where the court heard chilling evidence, including more than 20,000 photos and videos documenting the abuse. Pelicot meticulously cataloged these materials, which investigators discovered after his arrest in 2020 for an unrelated offense. The trial revealed how Pelicot laced his wife's food and drink with tranquilizers, rendering her unconscious while he invited strangers to assault her.
Gisèle Pelicot's decision to waive her anonymity and push for an open trial has made her a feminist icon, with her bravery inspiring a global conversation about consent and rape culture. Speaking after the verdict, she expressed gratitude to her supporters and solidarity with other victims. "I never regretted making this decision. I have trust in our capacity to collectively project ourselves toward a future where all, women and men, can live in harmony, with respect and mutual understanding," she said.
BREAKING: All of the 51 defendants have been found guilty in the historic Gisele Pelicot mass rape case.
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Dominique Pelicot's sentence, the maximum allowed under French law, ensures he could spend the rest of his life behind bars. His eligibility for parole will not arise until he has served at least two-thirds of his sentence. Despite the overwhelming evidence, many of the other defendants denied wrongdoing, with some claiming they were misled into believing the acts were consensual. One man was sentenced for drugging and raping his own wife with Pelicot's assistance, highlighting the extensive network of abuse he orchestrated.
The trial has drawn widespread attention and praise for Gisèle Pelicot's courage. Activists and supporters gathered outside the courthouse holding banners that read "Merci Gisèle," with feminist groups amplifying her call for justice. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz praised her bravery, stating on social media, "The shame must change sides. Thank you, Gisèle Pelicot! You courageously went from anonymity into the public eye and fought for justice."
The case has sparked broader debates in France about the definition of rape and the legal framework surrounding consent. Some of the convicted men argued that Pelicot's consent extended to his wife, a defense that has been widely condemned. The trial has ignited discussions about the systemic failures that allow such abuses to persist and the societal changes needed to better protect victims.
The abuse came to light when Dominique Pelicot was caught secretly filming women in a supermarket. The subsequent investigation uncovered his library of incriminating evidence, which led to the identification and prosecution of dozens of perpetrators. The sheer volume of evidence highlighted the calculated and methodical nature of Pelicot's crimes, shocking the nation.
While the sentences for the other defendants were generally lighter than prosecutors had requested, the verdict represents a significant moment in the fight against sexual violence. Campaigners hope it will serve as a turning point, inspiring tougher measures to address rape culture and better protect victims.
