The woman also said she thinks “of the unrecognized victims” in rape cases. “I think of the unrecognized victims, whose stories often remain in the shadows. I want you to know that we share the same fight“he said in a brief statement to the press.
What Gisèle Pelicot said after the decision of the Avignon Court
The woman said she “never regretted” going public with her identity during the trial, in brief comments outside the courtroom after the sentencing. Pelicot made the brave decision to waive his anonymity at the start of the trial.
Gisèle became a symbol after making her case public. From facing trials, established the motto “let shame change sides” in relation to women who are afraid to declare that they have suffered abuse, and proposed that now it is the rapists who are affected by that feeling.
Under French law, he could have asked that the trial be held behind closed doors. But she said that She wanted to publicize the horrors of her case to give other victims of sexual violence the courage to speak out.. “I have never regretted that decision,” Pelicot told reporters after his rapists were sentenced.
“I now have faith in our ability to collectively forge a future where women and men can live in harmony, with respect and mutual understanding.”he added. During the trial, Pelicot said she had waived her anonymity because “it is time for society to look at this sexist, patriarchal society and change the way it views rape.”
Outside the courthouse, dozens of activists had gathered to show their support for Pelicot. “Merci!” they chanted after 51 men were sentenced. Other activists expressed disappointment after most of the men received shorter sentences than prosecutors had requested.including some who walked free after receiving suspended sentences.
Pelicot case: the man who organized group rapes against his wife with 50 other strangers was sentenced to 20 years in prison
The Avignon court sentenced Dominique Pelicot (72) to 20 years in prison after find him guilty of aggravated rape for drugging his wife Gisèle Pelicot for almost a decade and inviting strangers over the Internet to rape her. The other 50 defendants were also sentenced, with sentences of between three and 15 years.less than those recommended by the prosecutor.
Dominique Pelicot was found guilty of all charges against him. The sentence given is the maximum stipulated in French law. and all those accused in this historic trial were also found guilty by the court, the vast majority of them for aggravated rape.
Source: Ambito
