French prosecutors demand maximum sentence in mass rape trial

After hearings stretching over nearly three months, the trial of 51 defendants in the southern city of Avignon is beginning to wrap up.

Women demonstrate, one with a placard reading 'Stop raping', to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, in Avignon, southern France. (AP photo)

French prosecutors have demanded the maximum 20-year prison sentence for Dominique Pelicot, a 72-year-old man who admitted to drugging and facilitating the rape of his wife, Gisèle Pelicot, by dozens of men over nearly a decade. The trial, involving 51 defendants, has gripped the nation, with Gisèle becoming a symbol of resilience against sexual violence.

Prosecutors revealed that Dominique, married to Gisèle for nearly 50 years, laced her food and drinks with sedatives to render her unconscious. He then raped her and invited strangers he recruited online to do the same. Graphic video evidence, presented at Gisèle’s insistence, showed her unconscious during the assaults.

“This woman was you, Madame Pelicot, an ordinary woman,” prosecutor Jean-François Mayet said in court, lauding her bravery in breaking societal taboos.

Prosecutor Laure Chabaud described Dominique’s acts as heinous and called for the maximum penalty under aggravated rape charges. “Twenty years behind bars is both a lot and not enough,” she said. Dominique admitted guilt and showed remorse during the trial, acknowledging the role of his co-defendants, who he said were aware of the circumstances.

Also Read: | French women rally to support Gisele Pelicot, woman at the centre of a mass rape trial

The Scale of abuse

Evidence from Dominique’s meticulously catalogued library of 20,000 photos and videos linked him to dozens of men involved in the assaults, although 20 suspects remain unidentified. Most co-defendants face aggravated rape charges. While some claimed they believed Gisèle was a consenting participant in a roleplay, prosecutors argued this defense was implausible.

Gisèle, who waived her anonymity, has drawn widespread support.

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Crowds outside the courthouse carried banners reading, “20 years for each of them” and chanted in solidarity with her. “She’s turning the tables and making shame fall on the perpetrators, not the victim,” said Chantal Crémont, a supporter.

Also Read: | 2 French boys are accused of raping a 12-year-old Jewish girl in an act of antisemitism

The trial coincides with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, highlighting broader societal issues. “France has a long path to change its view of rape culture,” Mayet said, underscoring the case’s significance.

The court is expected to deliver its verdicts by December 20.

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