A French court has convicted 51 men, including Dominique Pelicot, 72, for their involvement in the drugging and rape of Pelicot’s now ex-wife, Giselle Pelicot.
The trial, which concluded on Thursday, revealed shocking details of a scheme orchestrated by Pelicot over nearly a decade.
Dominique Pelicot, who admitted to drugging his wife with sleeping pills from 2011 to 2020 to facilitate her rape by strangers he recruited online, received a 20-year prison sentence for aggravated rape.
The remaining defendants, aged 27 to 74, were sentenced to prison terms ranging from three to 15 years for aggravated rape or attempted aggravated rape.
Six of the accused had their jail terms partially suspended, while six others were allowed to walk free despite convictions.
The case, which shocked France, highlighted the “ordinariness” of the accused, described by French media as “Monsieur-Tout-Le-Monde” (Mr. Everybody).
Among the convicted were individuals from various professions, including a truck driver, journalist, firefighter, and engineer.
One defendant, Jean-Pierre M., was separately charged with abusing his own wife with Dominique Pelicot’s assistance and received a 12-year sentence.
Supporters cheered as Giselle Pelicot exited the courthouse following the verdict.
The sentences, however, were not entirely in line with prosecutors’ demands, with several defendants receiving significantly reduced jail terms.
The case has drawn widespread condemnation and reignited discussions on France’s handling of sexual violence and judicial sentencing.
Dominique Pelicot, 72: 20 years
Jean-Pierre M., 63: 12 years
Joseph C., 69: Three years (two suspended)
Didier S., 68: Five years (two suspended)
Patrick A., 60: Six years
Jacques C., 73: Five years (three suspended)
Simone M., 43: Nine years
The sentences reflect the court’s recognition of the heinous nature of the crimes while leaving room for criticism over perceived leniency in some cases.