French Court Convicts 51 in Shocking Decade-Long Abuse Case

Ex-husband Dominique Pelicot sentenced to 20 years; 50 others found guilty in landmark ruling.

Avignon [France], December 20: In a case that sent shockwaves globally, a French court convicted Dominique Pelicot, 72, and 50 others for orchestrating and participating in the repeated drugging and sexual assault of his wife, Gisele Pelicot, over nearly a decade. The court handed Dominique the maximum sentence of 20 years, with his co-defendants receiving sentences ranging from four to 18 years, Al Jazeera reported.

A Decade of Abuse

The court in Avignon found that Pelicot drugged his ex-wife, Gisele, so he and strangers he recruited online could rape her while he filmed the acts. During the trial, Dominique admitted to his crimes, stating, “I am a rapist like the others in this room.”

Out of the 50 co-defendants, aged between 27 and 74, 47 were convicted of rape, two of attempted rape, and two of sexual assault. Some defendants claimed they believed the victim had consented, a claim refuted by the court.

Gisele Pelicot’s Courage

Gisele Pelicot, who waived her right to anonymity, became a symbol of resilience. During the trial, she stated, “I’ve decided not to be ashamed, I’ve done nothing wrong. They are the ones who must be ashamed.”

Following the verdict, she expressed hope for a better future, saying, “I believe in a world where everyone, woman and man, can live in harmony.” Gisele also highlighted the plight of unrecognized victims whose stories often remain unheard.

Sentencing Details

Dominique Pelicot will not be eligible for parole until he serves two-thirds of his 20-year sentence. Judge Roger Arata emphasized the gravity of his crimes during the sentencing.

The co-defendants, many of whom admitted wrongdoing, received varying sentences based on their level of involvement.

A Public Trial for Accountability

The trial, which lasted three months, was opened to the public at Gisele’s request to ensure transparency and accountability. “I never regretted opening the trial. This is about seeking justice and shedding light on the darkness,” she testified.

Global Attention and a Call for Change

The verdict is seen as a landmark moment in addressing systemic abuse and ensuring justice for survivors. It also underscores the importance of standing against crimes of such magnitude and supporting survivors in their pursuit of justice.

This historic case sends a clear message: those responsible for such heinous crimes will be held accountable, no matter how long it takes.