A court in southern France sentenced Dominique Pelicot, the ex-husband of Gisèle Pelicot, to 20 years in prison on Thursday for drugging and raping her over nearly a decade, as well as enabling others to assault her while she was unconscious. This represents the maximum sentence under French law, leaving Pelicot, 72, likely to spend the rest of his life behind bars. He will not be eligible for parole until at least two-thirds of his sentence has been served.
The verdict, delivered in Avignon, has shocked the nation and reignited discussions about addressing sexual violence in France.
Presiding Judge Roger Arata handed down the guilty verdicts after a trial that spanned over three months. Pelicot faced charges of aggravated rape, along with 50 other defendants implicated in the case. The court found Pelicot guilty of all charges, as well as others who participated in the abuse, with sentences ranging from three to 15 years for the co-defendants. Six individuals were released due to time served.
Dominique Pelicot admitted to drugging his then-wife of 50 years, allowing himself and strangers he recruited online to assault her while he recorded the acts. Police uncovered a library of evidence, including over 20,000 photos and videos of the abuse.
Gisèle Pelicot, 72, waived her right to anonymity, becoming a prominent voice for survivors of sexual violence. Her determination to pursue justice and testify openly during the emotionally charged trial has been hailed as a turning point in France’s reckoning with rape culture.
The case has spurred calls for legal reforms, particularly regarding the definition of consent under French law. Activists have also used the trial to highlight the growing use of drugs in sexual violence cases.
Protesters outside the courthouse applauded the verdicts, with banners thanking Gisèle Pelicot for her courage. Many viewed the trial as a watershed moment, with feminist organizations urging stronger measures to prevent sexual violence and protect survivors.
Dominique Pelicot’s defense lawyer, Béatrice Zavarro, indicated she would consider an appeal but acknowledged the emotional weight of the court’s rulings. “This case is about closure and justice for Mrs. Pelicot,” Zavarro said.
