Seventeen men convicted in the Pelicot mass rape trial have appealed the verdict, as confirmed by the prosecutor’s office in the French city of Avignon. The trial concluded earlier this month, with all 51 men on trial found guilty of rape or sexual assault.
The case revolved around Pelicot, who orchestrated for over 50 men to visit his house in the southern French village of Mazan and rape his then-wife Gisèle Pelicot, whom he habitually drugged with a sedative over nearly a decade.
This monthslong trial sent shockwaves through France and beyond, shedding light on a culture plagued by pervasive misogyny and systemic sexual assault.
Monday marked the deadline for the 51 defendants to file appeals, with Pelicot himself, who received a 20-year sentence, opting not to appeal. His lawyer cited concerns for Gisèle's well-being and emphasized the need to move forward.
During the trial, 14 of Pelicot’s co-defendants, along with Pelicot, pleaded guilty to rape, while others denied the charges, claiming a husband's consent sufficed. One defendant was convicted of attempting to rape his own wife, mirroring Pelicot’s methods.
Sentences ranged from three to 15 years, with some defendants receiving shorter terms than prosecutors sought. A few even received suspended sentences, sparking controversy.
Gisèle Pelicot's bravery throughout the case has been commended. She chose to go public, hoping to empower other women to speak out and to show victims of sexual assault that they have nothing to be ashamed of.
At the trial’s conclusion, Gisèle expressed solidarity with other survivors, highlighting the importance of recognizing and supporting victims of sexual violence.
Her poignant question to her rapists during the trial resonated: 'Rape is rape. When you walk into a bedroom and see a motionless body, at what point do you decide not to react? Why did you not leave immediately to report it to the police?'
