Dominique Pelicot, the former husband of Gisele Pelicot, was found guilty by a French court on Thursday for drugging and raping his wife over a span of nearly ten years.
The court also convicted him of inviting multiple strangers to sexually assault Gisele while she was unconscious in their home. The case has drawn international outrage and turned Gisele Pelicot into a symbol of courage and resilience.
Dominique Pelicot was sentenced to 20 years in prison, with the presiding judge of the criminal court in Avignon, Roger Arata, declaring that Pelicot would not be eligible for parole until two-thirds of his sentence had been served.
The court also convicted the remaining 50 defendants—ranging in age from 27 to 74—who were involved in the mass rape. None of the defendants were acquitted, with sentences ranging from 3 to 20 years. Prosecutors had requested jail terms ranging from 4 to 18 years for these individuals, almost all of whom were accused of raping Gisele while she was in a comatose state.
Dominique Pelicot, aged 72, admitted to the charges during the trial and expressed remorse to his family. However, many of the other defendants, whom Pelicot had met online, denied the accusations. They claimed that they had been part of a consensual sexual game orchestrated by the couple and argued that it was not rape if the husband had consented.
The trial of Gisele Pelicot has sent shockwaves throughout France and beyond, bringing attention to the shocking extent of abuse she endured. Gisele, 72, waived her right to anonymity during the trial and insisted that the disturbing videos, filmed by her former husband, be shown in court. She expressed her desire to help other women find the strength to speak out.
"I’ve decided not to be ashamed, I’ve done nothing wrong. They are the ones who must be ashamed," Gisele testified in October, rejecting any suggestion that she had willingly participated in the abuse.
The case has ignited protests across France, with many rallying in support of Gisele. It has also sparked intense debate about the need to update France’s rape laws, which currently lack specific mention of consent in sexual relations.