French Prosecutors Demand 20-Year Sentence for Dominique Pelicot in Landmark Sexual Violence

French prosecutors have demanded a maximum 20-year prison sentence for 71-year-old Dominique Pelicot, accused of orchestrating the drugging and repeated rape of his now ex-wife, Gisele Pelicot, over nearly a decade. The high-profile trial in Avignon involves Pelicot and 49 other defendants, with one being tried in absentia.

A Decade of Abuse Uncovered

Between 2011 and 2020, Dominique Pelicot drugged his wife in their home in Mazan, enabling strangers he recruited online to assault her. He recorded thousands of photos and videos of these heinous acts, which were discovered after his arrest for unrelated voyeurism charges.

Prosecutor Laure Chabaud called the acts “heinous” and urged the trial to serve as a societal reckoning on male violence and the importance of consent.

National Outrage and Calls for Reform

The case has sparked outrage across France, coinciding with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Tens of thousands protested on Saturday, demanding stronger action against gender-based violence.

Prime Minister Michel Barnier described the trial as a watershed moment in addressing violence against women. “This trial will mark a ‘before and after’ in how our society tackles these issues,” he stated, calling for societal change in attitudes toward consent and intimate relationships.

The Defence and Prosecution’s Rebuttal

Some defendants claimed they believed Pelicot’s assertions that his wife had consented as part of a libertine fantasy, while others argued they were unaware of her incapacitation. Prosecutors rejected these defenses, emphasizing the unequivocal absence of consent.

The charges against the accused range from aggravated rape to collaboration, with proposed sentences varying based on their roles. Jean-Pierre M., a co-defendant, faces a 17-year sentence for using similar methods to abuse his wife, often in Pelicot’s presence.

Gisele Pelicot: A Symbol of Resilience

Gisele Pelicot insisted on a public trial, transforming her into a symbol of resilience and determination in the fight against sexual violence. The court lauded her courage for allowing explicit evidence to be presented, ensuring the full scope of the crimes was exposed.

Anticipated Landmark Verdict

The trial, set to conclude by December 20, is expected to establish a landmark precedent in combating gender-based violence and reinforcing the principle of consent in French law. The outcome may influence future policies and societal attitudes toward violence against women.