Dominique Pelicot sentenced to 20 years in prison
After four months, the Pelicot trial has reached its conclusion.
In the French court of Avignon, Dominique Pelicot was sentenced to 20 years in prison for drugging his wife Giséle and recruiting strangers to rape her over a span of 10 years.
Among the perpetrators, fifty men were found guilty and sentenced accordingly, receiving penalties ranging from three to 15 years. Of these, 47 were convicted of rape, two of attempted rape, and two of sexual assault.
Gisèle Pelicot, refusing to remain anonymous, transformed herself from a French grandmother into a feminist icon through her courage and advocacy.
Outside the court, hundreds of supporters awaited her. «I think first of my three children and my grandchildren because they represent the future – said Ms. Pelicot – it is for them that I waged this battle. I also think of all the other victims, unrecognized, whose stories often remain hidden. I want you to know that we share the same struggle»
She went on to express her gratitude to those who stood by her throughout the trial:
«I want to express my most profound gratitude to all the people who supported me during this ordeal. Your testimony moved me, and I drew strength from it to return every day and face the long, grueling days of this trial».
Carlo Manca
