Prosecutors Seek 12-Year Sentence in Pelicot Appeal Case

In the ongoing appeal proceedings related to the case of Gisèle Pelicot, prosecutors have requested a 12-year prison sentence for the sole defendant, increasing the penalty by three years compared to the initial verdict. The proceedings, held in Nîmes, center on the accusations that the defendant drugged and assaulted Pelicot without her consent.

The prosecution argued that the lack of explicit consent from Pelicot was evident, dismissing the notion that silence could be interpreted as agreement. This perspective was emphasized as being out of touch with modern legal standards, highlighting a shift in societal and judicial understanding of consent in cases of sexual violence. The prosecution further criticized the defendant's continued denial of guilt, suggesting that such resistance reflects broader societal issues regarding accountability and the rights of victims.

The defendant, Husamettin D., remains the only individual among the 51 initially convicted in related proceedings to have pursued an appeal. Throughout the trial, he maintained his innocence, contending that he had not intended to commit the alleged offense and asserting that he was influenced by Dominique Pelicot, the husband of the victim. Dominique Pelicot was previously sentenced to 20 years in prison for repeatedly drugging and assaulting his wife over several years, often involving third parties he met online.

During the appeal hearing, the court reviewed multiple video recordings featuring interactions between the defendant and the victim. The defendant acknowledged feelings of shame regarding his actions but persisted in denying responsibility for the crime. He claimed that the actions were not premeditated and that he had been manipulated by others, particularly by the victim's husband.

Gisèle Pelicot addressed the court, challenging the defendant's account and refuting any suggestion that she had given consent at any stage. She also resisted being portrayed as a symbolic figure, emphasizing her desire to be recognized simply as an individual who opposed a closed trial. Pelicot has become known internationally for her advocacy that victims should not bear shame for crimes committed against them, and her forthcoming memoirs are set to be published in multiple languages.

The verdict in the appeal case was scheduled to be delivered later on the same day as the hearing. The case has drawn significant public and media attention, serving as a focal point for discussions on consent, victim rights, and the evolution of legal standards in cases of sexual violence.