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Dominique Pelicot’s Sentence Decided as Appeals Loom for Others Involved in Disturbing Case
In a high-profile case that has captivated public attention, Dominique Pelicot, a 72-year-old man, has opted not to appeal his 20-year prison sentence for drugging and raping his wife, Gisèle Pelicot, and for orchestrating assaults by numerous others over a ten-year period. His lawyer, Béatrice Zavarro, confirmed this decision amidst ongoing legal developments, as several co-defendants prepare to challenge their convictions.
Out of the 49 men convicted in connection with the heinous acts against Ms. Pelicot, 17 have announced plans to appeal their sentences. The deadline for these appeals is December 30, and more individuals may join in before that time expires.
Ms. Zavarro revealed that Pelicot, who admitted his guilt during the trial, chose not to appeal to spare Ms. Pelicot from further distress, given that she attended nearly all of the trial’s 15-week proceedings. “He believed this choice aligned with his view that Ms. Pelicot was never his adversary,” Zavarro stated, emphasizing Pelicot’s desire to close this painful chapter.
Despite not being required to attend the appeal proceedings, Gisèle Pelicot’s lawyer, Stéphane Babonneau, indicated that she is prepared to confront those appealing their convictions. “She’s not afraid of facing them, despite her preference for this ordeal to be over,” he noted.
According to French law, an appeals trial must take place within the next 12 months. This time, however, the case will be overseen by a panel of three judges alongside a jury composed of nine ordinary citizens. While harsher sentences are not guaranteed, the significant media attention surrounding the case could result in a different perspective from the jury than that of the judges.
Lawyer Hansu Yalaz pointed out that despite a rigorous vetting process, jury members are human and may harbor preconceptions that could influence their judgments. Among those appealing is Charly Arbo, now 30, who received a 13-year sentence for raping Ms. Pelicot six times in his twenties. Others, such as construction worker Simoné Mekenese and nurse Redouane El Farihi, who were sentenced to nine and eight years, respectively, have also filed for appeals.
Many defendants claim they were coerced by Pelicot into engaging in these acts and were unaware of Ms. Pelicot’s lack of consent. Mekenese’s lawyer, Yannick Prat, argued that his client never intended to commit rape, referring to the nine-year sentence as “disproportionate.” While he acknowledged the potential for a stricter sentence from a jury, he expressed a willingness to engage honestly with jurors.
Defense attorneys varied in their perspectives regarding the risks of appealing. Lawyer Patrick Gontard, representing one of the convicted men, characterized the decision as one that would prompt jurors to empathize with the circumstances faced by all involved. Meanwhile, attorney Louis-Alain Lemaire highlighted that one of his clients, sentenced to eight years, is appealing based on claims of lacking criminal intent.
Dominique Pelicot has been described as a severe threat to society, having drugged, raped, and encouraged others to assault his wife for at least a decade. He also recorded many of the offenses, aiding investigators in apprehending numerous perpetrators. Out of the 50 men arrested, approximately 20 remain unidentified and at large.
The court ultimately convicted 47 of the defendants on charges of rape, while others faced charges including attempted rape and sexual assault. Six individuals were released, often due to time already served in pre-trial detention. The trial, which took place from September to December, gained extensive media coverage following Gisèle Pelicot’s courageous decision to forgo her anonymity, stating her determination to support other victims of sexual violence: “I want them to say: if Madame Pelicot did it, I can too.”
Gisèle also emphasized the need to shift the stigma often felt by victims, declaring, “Victims of rape are often ashamed, but it’s not on us to have shame. It’s on them.”
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