Gisèle Pelicot Returns to Court for Appeal Trial in France
Gisèle Pelicot, a French woman who was drugged and repeatedly raped over a decade, is back in court for an appeal trial. Her former husband, Dominique Pelicot, recruited dozens of strangers online to sexually assault her. The trial begins next week after one of the convicted men sought to overturn his conviction.
The Original Trial and Convictions
In December 2024, after a nearly four-month trial, 51 men, including Dominique Pelicot, were convicted. The case garnered international attention, turning Gisèle Pelicot, now 72, into a symbol of female resistance against sexual violence. She waived her right to anonymity, displaying remarkable dignity throughout the proceedings.
The Appeal Trial: Husamettin Dogan's Case
Only one of the convicted men, Husamettin Dogan, has maintained his appeal. The appeal trial is set to commence in Nimes, a city in southern France. It is expected to last four days. Dominique Pelicot will be brought from prison for cross-examination, while Gisèle Pelicot is also scheduled to speak.
Victim's Perspective and Legal Stance
Antoine Camus, one of Gisèle Pelicot's lawyers, stated that while she would have preferred to avoid "this ordeal," she recognizes the universal importance of her case. She wants to make it clear that "rape is rape, that there is no such thing as a small rape.”
Details of the Abuse and the Accused's Defense
For nearly ten years, Gisèle Pelicot was drugged by her husband, enabling strangers to sexually abuse her. Unlike the initial trial in Avignon, she will now only face Husamettin Dogan, who is not currently in custody. Dogan, sentenced to nine years initially, claims he is not a rapist and was "trapped" by Dominique Pelicot.
Dominique Pelicot's Involvement and Testimony
Dominique Pelicot, serving a 20-year sentence, will appear as a witness. His lawyer, Beatrice Zavarro, asserts that he will explain Dogan's involvement. In prison, he reportedly speaks to no one and hears threats. His initial defense strategy tried to blame Dominique Pelicot, claiming they thought they were part of consensual sex game, an argument rejected by the court.
Impact and Ongoing Debate in France
While Gisèle Pelicot's case has sparked conversations about sexual violence in France, there are ongoing debates about the progress made. Some argue that the Pelicot case has helped women speak freely about sexual violence. Others suggest that the French government is not doing enough to address the problem.
"I'm not a rapist," the 44-year-old construction worker said during the first trial. "This is too much for me to bear. He's her husband. I never thought that guy could do this to his wife."
Sentencing Information
During the first trial most of Dominique Pelicot's 50 co-defendants were convicted of rape. They received sentences ranging from three years in prison including two suspended for a pensioner tried for sexual assault to 15 years in prison for a man who had raped Gisèle Pelicot six times.
