15 Convicted Men Challenge Verdicts in High-Profile Gisèle Pelicot Rape Case Appeal

The shocking case of Gisèle Pelicot, a 72-year-old woman who was repeatedly drugged, raped, and sexually abused over nearly a decade, has entered a new phase. At least 15 of the 51 men convicted in December 2023, including her former husband and chief abuser, Dominique Pelicot, have filed appeals against their convictions. The upcoming appeal trial in Nimes promises to revisit the horrifying evidence that led to one of France’s most disturbing sexual abuse cases.

The Initial Trial and Convictions in Gisèle Pelicot rape case

The initial trial, held in Avignon, lasted three and a half months and concluded with sentences ranging from three to 20 years in prison for the 51 accused men. Among them, 47 were found guilty of rape, two of attempted rape, and two of sexual assault. Dominique Pelicot, now 72, received the harshest sentence of 20 years.

Despite the convictions, all sentences—except for Dominique’s—fell short of what prosecutors had requested. The public prosecutors, who have until the same Monday deadline to appeal, had demanded harsher penalties for many of the offenders.

The Crimes and Their Uncovering

Between 2011 and 2020, Gisèle Pelicot suffered unimaginable abuse at the hands of her then-husband Dominique, who drugged her and invited at least 50—and possibly more than 80—men into their home in Mazan to assault her.

Her ordeal came to light only after Dominique was arrested for filming up the skirts of women in a local supermarket. Police investigations uncovered tens of thousands of photos and videos documenting the abuse, leaving no doubt about the systematic and premeditated nature of the crimes.

Appeals and Defendants’ Claims in Gisèle Pelicot rape case

The appeal process will bring the case to an ordinary jury in Nimes, unlike the initial trial, which was overseen by a panel of professional judges. Among those appealing are individuals like vineyard worker Charly Arbo and former hospital nurse Redouan El Farihi.

Arbo, sentenced to 13 years, admitted to visiting the Pelicot home six times, including on the night of Gisèle’s 66th birthday. He was caught on video discussing drugging and raping his own mother with Dominique. Despite the damning evidence, Arbo is challenging his conviction.

Similarly, El Farihi, sentenced to eight years, claimed he had been “tricked” by Dominique and was unaware that Gisèle had been drugged, despite video evidence showing her unconscious during the assaults.

Gisèle Pelicot’s Response

Throughout the trial, Gisèle Pelicot displayed extraordinary courage. A retired logistics manager, she insisted the proceedings remain open to the press and public, even allowing videos of her abuse to be shown in court. Her aim was to ensure the shame shifted from her to the perpetrators.

Her lawyer, Stéphane Babonneau, described the trial as a harrowing experience. “She is relieved, really relieved, that all the accused were convicted for what they did to her,” Babonneau said after the initial verdicts. Gisèle has expressed her willingness to attend the appeal hearings, though she may not be present every day.

Babonneau also emphasized that no sentence could undo the trauma she endured. “From Gisèle Pelicot’s point of view, there is no sentence that will give her back what she has lost. She will never feel comforted or somehow compensated by the fact that 50 families have been broken up for Christmas. There can be no satisfaction for her in that.”

The Case’s Broader Impact

Gisèle’s decision to make the trial public has turned her into an international feminist figurehead. The case has sparked discussions in France about the need to strengthen rape laws, particularly regarding the concept of consent, which is currently absent from French legislation.

The trial has also drawn attention to societal attitudes toward sexual violence and the systemic failings that allowed such crimes to occur unchecked for so long.