Gisèle Pelicot has paid tribute to sexual violence victims still fighting for recognition in society after her ex-husband and 50 other men were found guilty in the biggest rape trial in French history. Speaking outside court in Avignon, the 72-year-old said she had never regretted her decision to waive anonymity to hold the trial in public. 'I want you to know that we share the same fight,' she said, addressing unrecognised victims.
Her ex-husband, Dominique Pelicot, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for drugging and raping her over almost a decade, and for inviting dozens of men to rape her. The presiding judge said he would not be eligible for parole until serving two-thirds of his sentence. All 51 defendants were found guilty: 47 of rape, two of attempted rape and two of sexual assault.
International leaders praised Pelicot's bravery. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said she gave women a strong voice, while Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez thanked her for her dignity. Marine Tondelier, leader of France's Greens, said the trial marked a turning point in the fight against rape culture.
Some campaigners expressed disappointment that sentences for co-defendants ranged from three to 15 years, lower than those suggested by the state prosecutor. Socialist senator Laurence Rossignol called the gap 'disappointing and significant'. However, Pelicot said: 'I respect the court and its decision.'
For nearly four months, the court heard how Dominique Pelicot crushed sleeping tablets into her food and invited men to rape her from 2011 to 2020 in Mazan, Provence. He admitted the charges, telling judges: 'I am a rapist.'
