A French court has convicted Dominique Pelicot of repeatedly drugging and raping his wife, Gisele Pelicot, over nearly a decade, in a case that has drawn international outrage.
The court found Pelicot guilty of inviting dozens of strangers to assault his unconscious wife during their 50-year marriage. All 50 of his co-defendants were also convicted of crimes ranging from rape to sexual assault.
According to Reuters, Gisele Pelicot, who waived her right to anonymity, was present in the courtroom to hear the sentencing. Dominique Pelicot, who pleaded guilty, was sentenced by a panel of five judges to the maximum term of 20 years in prison, as requested by prosecutors.
The court ruled that 46 of the co-defendants were guilty of rape, two of attempted rape, and two of sexual assault. Their sentences ranged from three to 15 years, slightly less than the prosecution’s demand of four to 18 years.
Dominique Pelicot’s lawyer announced that his client is considering an appeal. All the defendants have 10 days to make a final decision on whether to contest their convictions.
This case, described as one of the most harrowing in recent French legal history, has reignited discussions about violence against women and systemic gaps in protecting victims of abuse.
