A French prosecutor has requested the maximum prison term of 20 years for Dominique Pelicot, who orchestrated the systematic rape of his wife for nearly a decade, rendering her unconscious with drugs and distributing images and footage of the assaults.
Mr. Pelicot, 71, has acknowledged the charges during a trial that has garnered global attention, serving as an examination of the widespread issue of sexual violence both in France and beyond.
“The maximum sentence is 20 years, which is substantial… but simultaneously… inadequate given the severity of the acts committed repeatedly,” public prosecutor Laure Chabaud stated in court.
Most of the 50 other defendants involved in the trial have claimed they were unaware they were raping Gisèle Pelicot, did not intend to commit such acts, or placed the blame entirely on her husband, alleging that he had manipulated them.
“This trial is challenging our society in how we relate to one another, in the most intimate connections between individuals,” Jean-Francois Mayet remarked in court.
He noted that the trial is prompting French society to reflect on “our needs, our emotions, our desires, and above all, to respect those of others.”
What is at stake, he continued, “is not merely a conviction or an acquittal,” but rather “to fundamentally transform the dynamics between men and women,” he added.
A placard stating ‘Sick of violations’ with an illustration of Gisele Pelicot was seen during a demonstration last weekend (file image).
The accused men, aged between 26 and 74, are primarily charged with aggravated rape and could face up to 20 years in prison if found guilty.
“The specifics of each case and the personality of each defendant were considered in our sentencing recommendations,” Mr. Mayet remarked, emphasizing that “justice needs calm and constructive discussions.”
The prosecutors are expected to outline their sentencing recommendations for each defendant over the next two days.
Mr. Pelicot’s attorney, Beatrice Zavarro, informed reporters that it was not unexpected for prosecutors to pursue the maximum sentence available.
Ms. Pelicot, also 71, had the option to request a closed trial but chose to have it open to the public, expressing hope that it would empower other women to come forward and demonstrate that victims have no reason to feel ashamed.
Video evidence recorded by her husband, presented in court over the past weeks, has repeatedly shown her lying motionless, at times snoring, while the accused, including her husband, assaulted her.
The verdicts and sentences are anticipated to be announced around December 20.
