The Daily Star Ireland
A prominent rape trial in France has entered a critical stage, with prosecutors now presenting their recommended verdicts and sentences for numerous men accused of raping Gisele Pelicot while she was drugged and unconscious, a state induced by her husband.
After nearly three months of hearings, the trial in Avignon is drawing to a close, with prosecutors outlining their desired outcomes for the 51 defendants.
The focus began with Dominique Pelicot, the husband of 71-year-old Gisele, to whom she was married for almost 50 years. Dominique admitted to drugging Gisele with sedatives over many years, enabling him to rape her and allowing multiple strangers to do the same.
Prosecutor Laure Chabaud has requested the maximum sentence of 20 years for aggravated rape against Dominique, now Gisele’s ex-husband. During the prosecutor’s speech, the 72-year-old kept his gaze fixed on the floor, his hand resting on his cane.
“Twenty years within the four walls of a prison,” Chabaud said. “It’s both a lot and not enough.”
The court is expected to announce its verdicts before December 20.
Throughout the trial, Gisele Pelicot has emerged as a powerful symbol in the fight against sexual violence in France. She insisted on a public trial, contrary to the court’s initial suggestion of a private hearing. Gisele has been commended for her bravery and composure, speaking clearly and calmly, and for allowing her full name to be used, which is rare for alleged victims in French rape cases.
