Ex-husband of Gisèle Pelicot found guilty in historic French rape trial

Dominique Pelicot has been found guilty of raping his former wife, Gisèle Pelicot, and all other charges against him, including the creation and distribution of sexually explicit photos of her. The verdict came after a harrowing trial in Avignon, which has gripped France and the wider world. 

Between July 2011 and October 2020, Dominique Pelicot drugged and raped Gisèle Pelicot for years. He also invited other men to abuse her while she was unconscious. He filmed the assaults and kept the recordings on his computer, which led to the identification of other perpetrators. Pelicot admitted to the charges and asked for forgiveness at the conclusion of the trial, which began on 2 September 2024. 

In addition to Pelicot, 51 other men, aged 27 to 74, stood trial for their involvement. All were found guilty. They face prison sentences ranging from four to 20 years, most of which stem from the rape of Gisèle Pelicot under aggravating circumstances. Dominique Pelicot himself was sentenced to 20 years in prison.

The case was one of the highest-profile rape trials in recent French history and attracted immense media attention. The trial became a symbol of the ongoing battle against sexual violence and the importance of justice for victims.

Gisèle Pelicot appeared in court on Thursday to hear the verdict. She was surrounded by public support and accompanied by her three children. 

^{Gisele Pelicot arrives with her lawyer at the courthouse in Avignon © PHOTO CLEMENT MAHOUDEAU / AFP}