50 co-defendants also convicted, with no acquittals, in a case that has sent shockwaves around the globe
PUBLISHED: 19 Dec 2024 at 16:45
AVIGNON, France – In a landmark ruling, a French man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for orchestrating and committing numerous rapes against his ex-wife, Gisele Pelicot. The case has gained international attention, highlighting issues of sexual violence and injustice.
Dominique Pelicot, who confessed to his crimes, received the maximum sentence following a trial that lasted over three months in Avignon. His actions, involving multiple attackers recruited online, have transformed Gisele Pelicot into a symbol of resilience and empowerment for women worldwide.
All 50 co-defendants were also convicted, with the court confirming no acquittals. Sentencing for the other defendants is ongoing.
The courtroom atmosphere was tense, with heightened security measures in place. Some defendants arrived with packed bags, bracing for imprisonment.
Judge Roger Arata declared, “Mr. Pelicot, you are found guilty of aggravated rape against Gisele Pelicot.” He emphasized that Dominique Pelicot will not be eligible for parole until he has served at least two-thirds of his sentence.
At 72, Dominique Pelicot admitted to drugging his ex-wife for nearly a decade to facilitate the assaults. Conversely, Gisele Pelicot has garnered significant support for her bravery in facing her abuser and choosing to publicly confront the systemic issues surrounding sexual violence.
Among the other defendants is a man who, while not involved in assaults on Gisele, committed rape against his wife with Dominique’s assistance.
‘A Verdict for the Future’
Prosecutors had called for the maximum sentence for Dominique Pelicot, with potential sentences for the remaining defendants ranging from 10 to 18 years for aggravated rape. One accused remains at large, facing trial in absentia, while another is charged with a lesser offense.
The trial garnered attention not just locally but globally, as activists rallied for justice outside the courthouse, chanting support for Gisele Pelicot. “Rape is a global issue, which is why the world is watching,” said an activist from the feminist collective supporting her.
As the sentencing unfolded, Gisele Pelicot’s family expressed their mixed emotions, arriving at the courthouse to witness the proceedings alongside the accused.
Major French publications spotlighted the verdict, labeling it as “a verdict for the future” and a transformative moment in the fight against sexual violence.
