Prosecutors seek 20-year prison sentence for husband in mass rape trial

French prosecutors have requested a 20-year prison sentence for Dominique Pelicot, who stands accused of drugging his former wife, Gisèle, for a period of ten years and inviting 50 men recruited online to rape her. Prosecutors stated that Mr. Pelicot, having admitted to the charges, should also be subjected to medical treatment for 10 years. Prosecutor Laure Chabaud commented that the 20-year sentence, which represents the maximum penalty for rape under French law, “is both a lot… and too little given the gravity of the acts that were committed and repeated.” Citing a psychiatrist’s assessment of Mr. Pelicot from earlier in the trial, Ms. Chabaud indicated that the defendant displayed “multiple sexual deviances.” Decisions on guilt and penalties are anticipated next month. Ms. Chabaud told the court, stating, “He sought pleasure through a desire to submit, humiliate and debase his wife – the person he claimed to cherish the most in the world,” and added that Mr. Pelicot, 72, ought to be re-examined following the conclusion of his sentence before his release. Jean-François Mayet, another prosecutor, remarked that the proceedings had significantly affected society, asserting that the central concern “was not a conviction or an acquittal” but “to fundamentally change the relations between men and women.” Mr. Mayet acknowledged the “courage and dignity” of Gisèle Pelicot, who has been present in court on most days since the trial’s commencement in September. The decision by Gisèle Pelicot to forgo anonymity and opt for an open trial has generated significant public interest in the case, which has, in turn, ignited a nationwide dialogue about rape culture, consent, and chemical submission – the act of drugging someone for the purposes of coercion or assault. Posters bearing the slogan “20 years for everyone” were seen on the walls surrounding the Avignon courthouse, where the trial is being held, on Monday morning. However, it is considered improbable that the 50 defendants in this exceptional case will be given sentences of this duration. The lengthiest prison sentence requested by prosecutors today, aside from the 20-year demand for Mr. Pelicot, was for Jean-Pierre Marechal. This co-defendant is not accused of raping Gisèle Pelicot but has admitted to drugging and raping his own ex-wife under Mr. Pelicot’s guidance and instruction. He is facing a 17-year prison term. Prosecutors additionally requested 10-year sentences for most of the other 19 defendants whose cases were heard today. The majority of the 50 individuals accused deny the rape charges, asserting their innocence on the grounds that they did not realize Ms. Pelicot was unconscious when invited to the family’s home by her husband, and thus did not “know” they were raping her. Prosecutor Ms. Chabaud, however, asserted that “in 2024 we can no longer maintain that because she didn’t say anything, she consented.” She further stated that neither the conditions nor Gisèle Pelicot’s actions “could have led these men to believe that she agreed to be subjected to these sexual acts in her lethargic state.” Speaking on the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, Prime Minister Michel Barnier stated that this trial constituted a watershed moment for the country’s endeavors to combat violence against women. He affirmed, “I’m convinced that the Mazan trial will mark a before and after.” Mazan is identified as the village where the Pelicots resided and where Dominique Pelicot filmed the local men he had contacted online. The prime minister further announced several government initiatives aimed at combating violence against women, which include providing funding for pharmacies to dispense home drug test kits under a pilot scheme to address chemical submission. On Monday, earlier in the day, Equality Minister Salima Saa stated that the government was “fully mobilised” and disclosed the expansion of a system that permits victims of sexual violence to file complaints in hospitals, not solely in police stations. The system is presently implemented in 236 hospitals and is projected to be expanded to 377 by the conclusion of next year. Additionally, a new public awareness campaign was declared. The trial, which began in early September, is now approaching its final phase. The lawyers representing the 50 defendants are set to deliver their closing arguments during the next three weeks, and a verdict is anticipated by 20 December.