Gisèle Pelicot, the 72-year-old grandmother at the center of France’s largest rape trial, is set to return to court as one of her 51 convicted rapists appeals his sentence. Husamettin Dogan, a 44-year-old married father, is challenging his nine-year prison term for aggravated rape, marking the only appeal to proceed among the defendants. The case, which captivated global attention last year, exposed a decade-long ordeal where Gisèle was drugged and assaulted by men recruited by her husband, Dominique Pelicot, who meticulously documented the crimes. Dominique received the maximum sentence of 20 years, while 46 others were convicted of rape, two of attempted rape, and two of sexual assault. Dogan’s appeal, effectively a retrial, will revisit harrowing evidence, including video footage of the assaults. Gisèle, now a feminist icon, has chosen to attend the proceedings despite not being legally required to do so. Her lawyer, Stéphane Babonneau, noted her sense of responsibility to see the case through to its conclusion. The trial has profoundly impacted French society, sparking nationwide discussions on rape, consent, and gender violence. Dogan’s defense, which previously argued he was unaware Gisèle was unconscious, faces scrutiny in a trial judged by a public jury. Legal experts suggest the case’s high profile may influence the jury’s decision, potentially leading to a harsher sentence. Gisèle’s courage in waiving her anonymity and pushing for transparency has earned her global recognition, including accolades from Time magazine and the French Legion d’Honneur. However, the case has also fractured her family, with her eldest children accusing her of failing to support their own allegations of abuse by Dominique. As the trial resumes, Gisèle’s presence underscores her unwavering commitment to justice and her hope to inspire other survivors.
Gisèle Pelicot returns to court after trial made her an icon – and tore her family apart
