French appeals court revisits shocking Gisèle Pelicot rape case

Gisele Pelicot exits the Avignon courthouse, in southern France, Dec. 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Lewis Joly, File)

NIMES, France — Less than a year after the landmark verdict in a drugging and rape trial that shook France and turned Gisele Pelicot into a global icon, she was greeted with applause Monday as she arrived at a courthouse for the appeal of a man challenging his conviction.

Husamettin Dogan, sentenced to nine years in prison last December, denies he intended to rape Pelicot. He argues that he was deceived by Dominique Pelicot, Gisele Pelicot’s ex-husband, who drugged his wife and offered her to strangers online before filming the assaults.

The 44-year-old construction worker went on trial Monday in Nimes, in southern France, on charges of aggravated rape by administering substances that impair judgment or self-control, an offense carrying up to 20 years in prison.

He remains free pending the verdict. Prosecutors had sought 12 years at his first trial, but the court imposed nine.

Wearing a pink jacket, Pelicot entered the courthouse under police escort, smiling as she shook hands with supporters who shouted “Thank you!” and other words of encouragement.

In the original proceedings, Pelicot’s ex-husband and 50 other men were convicted of sexually assaulting her between 2011 and 2020 while she was under chemical submission. Dominique Pelicot was sentenced to 20 years in prison, while sentences for other defendants ranged from three to 15 years imprisonment.

The trial drew international attention after Gisele Pelicot opposed a closed hearing, a demand made by several defendants. The court sided with her. The evidence included stomach-churning homemade videos of the abuse that Dominique Pelicot filmed in the couple’s home in the small Provence town of Mazan and elsewhere.

“I have nothing to be ashamed of. Shame must change sides,” she said on the trial’s opening day. After the verdict, she declared she had “never regretted that decision” and thanked supporters who gave her the “strength” to return to court each day.

Pelicot has since become a symbol of the fight against sexual violence and the shocking case spurred a national reckoning over rape culture in France.

Dominique Pelicot admitted his role and did not appeal his 20-year prison sentence, now final. He is expected to testify during the appeals hearing after being implicated by the remaining defendant.

Of the 51 convicted men, 17 initially filed appeals. Most of those were withdrawn and only Dogan pursued his appeal.

While last year’s trial stretched over four months, the retrial is scheduled to last no more than four days, with a verdict expected Thursday.

Civil proceedings in Avignon are due in November to settle damages owed to the main victim and her family, to be paid jointly by the convicted men.

The Associated Press

Resources for sexual assault survivors in Canada to include in relevant articles:

If you or someone you know is struggling with sexual assault or trauma, the following resources are available to support people in crisis:

• Call 911 if you are in immediate danger or fear for your safety.
• The Canadian Association of Sexual Assault Centres' website has a comprehensive list of sexual assault centres in Canada that offer information, advocacy and counselling. 
• The Ending Violence Association of Canada‘s website has links to helplines, support services and locations across Canada that offer sexual assault kits.
• Indian Residential School Survivors Society crisis lines: [phone] or [phone] (24/7)
• Toronto Rape Crisis Centre crisis line: [phone] (24/7)
• Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline: [phone] (24/7)
• Trans Lifeline: [phone]
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: call or text 988 (24/7)
• Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre for current and former Canadian Armed Forces members: [phone]
• Read about your rights as a victim on the Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime website.