AVIGNON, France (AP) — A French court on Thursday found Dominique Pelicot guilty of aggravated rape in a landmark case that has shocked the nation and sparked renewed debate about sexual violence.
Pelicot, 72, was convicted of systematically drugging and raping his ex-wife Gisèle Pelicot over nearly a decade in their retirement home in the Provence town of Mazan. The verdict was delivered by lead judge Roger Arata in Avignon, with sentencing pending. He faces up to 20 years in prison.
The three-month trial involved 50 other defendants accused of participating in the abuse, making it one of the most extensive sexual violence cases in recent French legal history. Prosecutors have recommended sentences ranging from 10 to 18 years for these defendants.
During testimony, Dominique Pelicot admitted to secretly administering tranquilizers in his wife’s food and drinks, rendering her unconscious while he carried out the assaults. The abuse occurred at multiple locations, including their home in Mazan.
“This case has exposed the darkest depths of betrayal within what appeared to be a loving marriage,” prosecutor Marie Laurent said. “The systematic nature of these crimes demands the strictest punishment under law.”
The trial also included charges against one defendant for drugging and raping his own wife, allegedly with substances and assistance provided by Pelicot. Pelicot faced additional charges for participating in that assault.
Gisèle Pelicot’s courageous testimony throughout the trial has transformed her into a symbol of resilience and inspired a national conversation about domestic abuse. Women’s rights organizations have rallied around her case, calling for stricter laws against sexual violence.
The five-judge panel reached their verdict through a secret ballot system, requiring a majority vote for conviction and sentencing. The process reflects the case’s complexity and significance in French jurisprudence.
“This verdict sends a clear message that such horrific abuse will not go unpunished,” said Sophie Dubois, a prominent victims’ rights advocate. “But it also reveals how much work remains to protect vulnerable individuals within marriages.”
The case has prompted calls for reform in France’s approach to domestic violence and sexual assault. Advocacy groups are demanding enhanced surveillance of convicted offenders and better support systems for victims.
The court is expected to announce sentences later today. Legal experts anticipate the decisions will set important precedents for future domestic violence cases in France.
