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French Prosecutors Seek Maximum Sentence for Dominique Pelicot, Husband Who Orchestrated Rape of Wife by Over 50 Men

Nov 25, 2024, 11:08 AM

French prosecutors have requested the maximum 20-year sentence for Dominique Pelicot, who is accused of drugging his wife, Gisèle Pelicot, and facilitating her rape by over 50 men over a nine-year period from 2011 to 2020. The trial, known as the Mazan rape trial, is taking place in Avignon and has entered its 12th week. The prosecution began their closing arguments on Monday, calling Pelicot's actions 'abject' and arguing that the maximum sentence is 'too little' given the severity and repetition of the crimes, which included over 200 sexual assaults. Sentences ranging up to 17 years have also been requested for several co-accused, including 17 years for Jean-Pierre Maréchal, who is accused of raping his own wife with Pelicot. The case has attracted widespread attention in France, sparking nationwide protests against sexual violence with demonstrators expressing solidarity under the slogan 'Merci Gisèle'. Gisèle Pelicot has become a symbol of defiance against patriarchal violence, confronting her abusers in court and declaring 'Shame is theirs, not ours'.