French Prosecutors Demand Tough Sentences for Men in Shocking Rape Case

Avignon, France, November 26, 2024 — French prosecutors have called for sentences of up to 14 years for some men accused of taking part in a horrifying case of sexual abuse. Dominique Pelicot, the main defendant, is charged with enlisting dozens of men to rape his wife, Gisele Pelicot, while she was drugged and unconscious.

Prosecutors requested a 14-year sentence for 38-year-old Karim S., one of the men who communicated with Pelicot during the attacks. Others, including Florian R. and Gregory S., could face 13 years in prison for being aware of Gisele’s condition and participating in the abuse.

The abuse was uncovered when Dominique Pelicot was arrested for another crime, and investigators found records of visitors to his home in Mazan. The case has sparked protests across France, with people demanding stronger action against male violence.

Many of the defendants claimed they didn’t know Gisele was unconscious or believed they were part of a consensual fantasy. But prosecutors rejected these claims, stressing that no one asked for her consent.

The trial has made Gisele Pelicot a symbol of the fight against sexual violence, with many praising her courage for speaking out publicly. Prosecutors are pushing for prison sentences ranging from 12 to 17 years for the men involved, with the final verdict expected by December 20.