‘Thank You Gisele Pelicot’, French President and world leaders show support for rape victim

For waiving her right to anonymity during the trial, German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz thanked the 72-year-old for swapping the side of shame with the perpetrator. “You gave women around the world a strong voice,” said Scholz.

Meanwhile, former Prime Minister of France, Gabriel Attal, expressed his appreciation for Gisele’s conviction, making “her suffering an act of resistance.”

In his long message on X, Attal hoped for “the Mazan trial and the torture of Gisèle Pélicot to be a shock wave for free speech.” He further went on to talk about Gisèle’s children. Her daughter Caroline Darian in particular, calling her an equal victim.

Two women hold placards in support of Frenchwoman Gisele Pelicot. The slogan reads “Thank you Gisele”. (REUTERS Photo)

It was in the French town of Mazan that the couple moved in after retiring and where Dominique began soliciting some 70 other men to come into their house and rape his unconscious wife. Since not all men could be identified as part of the investigation, only 50 others were given lesser punishments.

In France’s neighbour Spain, Its Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said, “How much dignity. Thank you, Gisèle Pelicot. Let shame change sides.”

Among other French leaders, far-right politician Jordan Bardella called Giselle a trailblazer for the French people and for victims of rape and assault to speak up. Yael Braun Pivet, President of France’s National Assembly also expressed his gratitude to Giselle.”The world is no longer the same thanks to you,” he added.