Demonstrators gathered outside the courthouse in Avignon, France, on November 23, 2024, to protest femicide, sexual violence, and gender-based violence. Holding placards, they demanded justice as the French mass rape trial of Dominique Pelicot and 49 other men approaches sentencing.
Dominique Pelicot and 49 Men Face Trial
Dominique Pelicot stands accused of drugging his ex-wife, Gisele Pelicot, for years and inviting dozens of men to abuse her. Prosecutors allege the rapes and sexual abuse took place repeatedly, shocking a nation grappling with the MeToo movement. Pelicot, who admitted to all charges, faces trial alongside 49 men from various age groups and backgrounds.
Growing Outrage in French Mass Rape Case
Many defendants claimed they believed Pelicot’s assertion that Gisele had consented to their acts. Some argued they were participating in a libertine fantasy where she only pretended to be asleep. However, psychological reports presented during the trial contradicted these defenses. Among the accused, 33 men claimed they were not in their right minds during the crimes.
Sentencing Requests and Penalties
French prosecutors will present their sentencing requests starting Monday. Each defendant’s sentencing discussion is expected to last around 15 minutes, spanning three days. Serious rape charges carry maximum penalties of 20 years in prison. Judges will announce their rulings by late December.
Pelicot’s Courage Gains Global Recognition
The case’s impact has resonated globally, with 57 international media outlets covering the trial. On Thursday, Chile’s parliamentary president praised Gisele Pelicot’s bravery, calling her an “ordinary citizen teaching the world a lesson” in French Mass rape case. Her lawyer, Antoine Camus, demanded justice for Gisele, her three children, stepchildren, and grandchildren.
France’s Call for Change
The trial has reignited calls for stronger protections against sexual violence in France. Tens of thousands joined protests over the weekend, urging the government to take decisive action against gender-based violence.
As the court nears its decision, the world watches closely, awaiting justice for Gisele Pelicot and an end to impunity for such heinous crimes.
