A landmark rape trial in Avignon, France, is approaching its conclusion, with prosecutors demanding harsh penalties for 51 defendants accused of raping Gisèle Pelicot, a 71-year-old woman drugged and rendered unconscious by her husband, Dominique Pelicot, over nearly a decade.
Dominique, 72, admitted to mixing sedatives into Gisèle’s food and drink, allowing himself and dozens of men he recruited online to assault her.
Prosecutors have called for a 20-year prison sentence for him, the maximum for aggravated rape.
“Twenty years between the four walls of a prison, it’s both a lot and not enough,” said prosecutor Laure Chabaud.
The case has drawn public attention and support for Gisèle, who waived her anonymity to expose the crimes.
She pushed for graphic evidence filmed by her ex-husband to be shown in court, proving her unconsciousness during the assaults. Prosecutor Jean-François Mayet praised her bravery, saying, “She’s making shame change sides.”
Prosecutors outlined the assaults, highlighting Dominique’s meticulous organization, including instructions to attackers to warm their hands to avoid waking her.
Sentences of 10 years or more have been requested for co-defendants also charged with rape or attempted rape.
Dominique has admitted guilt, stating that his co-defendants knew the crimes they were committing. Many defendants, however, claimed they believed Gisèle was a willing participant.
The trial coincides with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Prime Minister Michel Barnier praised Gisèle’s courage, saying, “This trial affects us all.”
The court is expected to deliver its verdicts by December 20, marking a pivotal moment in the fight against sexual violence.
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