A French criminal court is expected to deliver its verdict on Thursday in the Pelicot mass rape trial, which has become a watershed moment for victims of sexual violence.
Fifty-one men stand accused of drugging and raping Gisèle Pelicot over nearly a decade at her home in Mazan, southern France, in a case that has laid bare the brutal reality of sexual violence and, some observers have noted, rape culture.
Her former husband, Dominique Pelicot, 72, admitted during the trial to drugging his wife with tranquilisers hidden in her food and drink.
He meticulously documented the assaults in 20,000 photos and videos stored on his computer, which police used to identify 72 different abusers, although not all were brought to trial.
‘Calculated and cruel’
Prosecutor Laure Chabaud called for a maximum sentence of 20 years for Pelicot, describing his actions as “calculated, sustained and cruel". Chabaud requested sentences of 10 to 18 years for the other defendants.
Pelicot claimed he acted alone, denying claims that he drugged the men he invited into the couple’s home in Mazan, Provence.
Some defendants argued that they had been misled into believing the encounters were consensual.
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The trial has highlighted issues around consent and the use of drugs in sexual violence cases. Campaigners see the case as a turning point in raising awareness about chemical submission.
“A rape is a rape,” read one banner hung opposite the courthouse in Avignon, where feminist groups have gathered throughout the trial. Demonstrators held signs reading “we believe you, Gisèle” and “shame is changing sides”.
Gisèle Pelicot, who divorced her husband after police uncovered his crimes in 2020, attended court daily, often greeted by supporters.
Speaking about her decision to face the accused, she said: “I am fighting for all those victims around the world, women and men, who suffer from sexual violence.”
Tight security
The announcement of the verdict is expected to draw large crowds to Avignon. Police have ramped up security at the courthouse, with additional officers deployed for crowd control.
Feminist groups and the families of the accused have said they’ll be in the southern French city for the decision, which comes after nearly four months of harrowing testimony.
The Amazones d'Avignon feminist group says about 30 of its members will protest outside the court. "We're going to make some noise," one of its activists told FranceInfo.
More than 170 media organisations from 12 countries have been accredited to cover the verdict, but space constraints mean only three French outlets will be allowed in the courtroom.
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Prison preparations
The 32 defendants who are currently free on bail have been told to arrive with packed bags in case they receive custodial sentences.
Antoine Minier, a lawyer representing three of the defendants, said: “They hope to avoid detention, but they are prepared for heavy sentences.”
Those given custodial sentences will likely be divided between facilities in Marseille, Aix-en-Provence, Nîmes and Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone.
Defence lawyers have criticised the prosecution’s recommendations as “excessive and unjust”.
Patrick Gontard, who represents others among the accused, said many of his clients fear being targeted in prison, where “rapists are treated with particular hostility”.
Judges are required to justify their sentencing decisions, which could prolong the process.
If acquittals are issued, each will need individual explanations, while guilty verdicts could be accompanied by a general statement about the absence of consent in the case.
Prosecutor Chabaud told the court: “There is no such thing as ordinary rape or accidental rape. This must be clear.”
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