Gisèle Pelicot’s Ex-Husband and 50 Defendants Sentenced in France’s Landmark Assault Case

Berfin Ceren Meray
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In a case that has gripped France, the final verdict has been delivered in the shocking sexual assault scandal involving Gisèle Pelicot's ex-husband, Dominique Pelicot, and 50 other defendants. The trial, which began on September 2, marked the culmination of nearly a decade of abuse allegations. Gisèle Pelicot, now a symbol of resilience in the fight against sexual violence, spoke out after the court’s decision on Thursday. What penalties were imposed, and how did this case reshape the battle for justice in France? Uncover the full story here.

The trial of Gisèle Pelicot, who endured nearly a decade of drug-induced unconsciousness and sexual assault orchestrated by her husband Dominique Pelicot, has reached its conclusion.

The investigation, which began in 2020, shocked the world with its horrifying details and revealed the involvement of dozens of men. Dominique Pelicot, along with 50 men he brought into his home to assault his wife, was found guilty.

The groundbreaking trial of years-long abuse began on September 2. In a French court, the judge delivered the verdict on Thursday.

Dominique Pelicot was found guilty of orchestrating the assaults over the years and sentenced to 20 years in prison. His accomplices received sentences ranging from 3 to 15 years. Of the 51 men convicted of assaulting Gisèle, 47 were convicted of rape, 2 of attempted rape, and 2 of sexual assault. Five of the defendants were released due to time already served, while others were handed suspended sentences.

"I wanted to open the doors of this trial last September so society could see what happened," said Gisèle, who attended the hearings throughout the process.

Shocking footage of the assaults, which took place between 2011 and 2020, surfaced during the trial. Some of the men stunned the court by claiming they believed 'the unconscious woman consented' or that 'the husband's permission was sufficient.' During the trial, Gisèle directly addressed the attackers, declaring, 'Above all, I express my will and determination to change this society,' as she confronted the assaults and the perpetrators.

Gisèle's lawyer, Stéphane Babonneau, remarked before the final hearing, "Nothing will ever give her back the 15 years she lost, the 10 years she lived without knowing what was happening to her."

Babonneau acknowledged that while justice seemed to have been served for Gisèle, the case highlighted the devastation inflicted on countless others whose lives are irreparably changed by such heinous acts. He added, 'Now the only thing she can hope for is justice. But who can console someone who has spent 10 or 15 years in prison or witnessed the destruction of another family? No one, and certainly not Gisèle herself.'

Gisèle Pelicot has become a symbol of the fight against sexual violence in France and worldwide, earning admiration for her courage.

She insisted on having her full name published and court records shared with the public. Following the sentencing, Gisèle expressed her gratitude outside the courthouse, saying, 'I want to express my profound gratitude to everyone who supported me during these difficult times. Your testimonies and statements deeply moved me and gave me the strength to return each day throughout this long trial.'

As the crowd outside the courthouse greeted Gisèle with chants like "Thank you for your courage," let us too extend our gratitude for her bravery.