Pelicot, 72, Seeks Forgiveness as Mazan Rape Trial of 51 Concludes; Verdict Thursday

Dec 16, 2024, 08:59 AM

The trial of the rapes in Mazan has entered its 64th day and 15th week in Avignon, France, with the accused delivering their final statements before the verdict expected on Thursday. Dominique Pelicot, 72, the primary defendant, is accused of drugging his ex-wife, Gisèle Pelicot, over a decade and facilitating her rape by 50 other men. In his final statement, Pelicot expressed regret, asked his family to accept his apologies, and praised Gisèle's courage, stating, 'All the accused are guilty, like me.' His defense lawyer, Béatrice Zavarro, noted that he has always fully acknowledged the facts. The prosecution has requested the maximum penalty of 20 years' imprisonment for Pelicot, considered the orchestrator of the crimes. The trial, one of unprecedented scale in French judicial history, has drawn international attention due to its severity and the resilience demonstrated by the victim. The court has heard from all 51 accused, many of whom presented apologies during their last statements.