A French court is set to deliver verdicts on Wednesday for 51 defendants accused of participating in a mass rape scheme orchestrated by Dominique Pelicot, who has admitted drugging and raping his then-wife Gisele Pelicot.
Dominique Pelicot, 72, has confessed to drugging his wife with anti-anxiety medication and forcing her into multiple rapes over nearly a decade. He also claimed that he had recruited men to participate in the assaults using an online chat room.
During the four-month trial, prosecutors presented evidence of Pelicot’s crimes, including the discovery of 20,000 indecent images on his device. The investigation revealed that the victims were mostly unaware they were participating in a rape scenario and were told it was part of a “swingers” game.
Fifty other men are also facing charges for rape or sexual assault, with most denying the allegations and claiming they were unaware of Gisele Pelicot’s lack of consent. One defendant, Charly A, 30, faces severe penalties for allegedly raping his wife six times, including on her birthday.
Gisele Pelicot waived her right to anonymity in the case to ensure justice could be served. Her bravery has inspired millions of people across France and worldwide to protest against sexual violence.
On Thursday, judges will deliver the verdicts and sentences for all 51 defendants, with prosecutors seeking over 600 years of imprisonment for each defendant.
Source: https://news.sky.com/story/france-awaits-51-verdicts-in-gisele-pelicot-mass-rape-trial-13276023