Gisele Pelicot faces a tough test as she faces her trial AGAIN after 10 defendants threaten to appeal
Gisele Pelicot faces the harrowing ordeal of having to go through her trial again, now that it appears that no fewer than ten defendants are considering appealing the verdict.
Beatrice Zavarro, Dominique Pelicot’s attorney, said he may be among those considering an appeal, which would mean challenging his 20-year prison sentence for orchestrating and committing the mass rape of his now ex- woman.
He will probably die behind bars.
Under French law, suspects have an automatic right to demand a new trial through the right of appeal.
Speaking outside court after the sentences were handed down yesterday, Pelicot’s lawyer said her client was “stunned” by the judges’ decision to give him the maximum sentence, as well as the suggestion he could be held longer if he was still considered a suspect. threat to security.
Zavarro notes that no decision has been made yet on whether Pelicot will appeal, which he could do in the next ten days.
The historic trial in Avignon, southern France, lasted three months and took place before five judges.
51 men were sentenced to more than 400 combined years behind bars, with all of Pelicot’s accomplices found guilty of sex crimes, with 46 convicted of rape, two of attempted rape and two of sexual assault.
Gisele Pelicot, the victim of a mass rape orchestrated by her then husband Dominique Pelicot in their home in the southern French city of Mazan, talks to journalists, surrounded by relatives and her lawyers, after the verdict in the trial of Dominique Pelicot and 50 co-suspects, at the courthouse in Avignon, France, December 19, 2024
This court sketch taken on December 19, 2024 in Avignon shows the court during the hearing of the court ruling that sentenced Dominique Pelicot to the maximum prison sentence of 20 years
Gisele Pelicot leaves the courthouse surrounded by French police and journalists after the verdict in the trial of Dominique Pelicot and 50 co-defendants, in Avignon, France, December 19, 2024
If appealed, a new trial would involve a jury and be shorter than the first trial.
However, it would add even more tension for brave Gisele, 72, who told cameras yesterday that the ordeal had been ‘a very difficult test for me’.
Meanwhile, her lawyer said she would not have to testify again in the event of an appeal, but would like to “actively participate” in the trial.
At the same time, feminist groups that supported Gisele during her trial rejected the conviction, claiming it was too lenient.
Gisele’s children were also angry about the ‘low’ sentences for some of the men who raped their mother.
They lamented that “it is not possible” as one convicted rapist received only five years.
Firefighters, soldiers, truck drivers, a DJ and a journalist were among those found guilty of raping and sexually assaulting Gisele at her husband’s behest over the course of a decade – all without her knowledge.
Defendants ducked behind masks and hoods as they entered court this morning, and several emerged this afternoon after receiving sentences equal to or less than those they have already served.
Serial rapist Dominique Pelicot will likely die behind bars after being sentenced to 20 years in prison for the campaign of abuse he and dozens of strangers waged against his wife Gisele
In a selfie taken by her cruel and abusive husband, Gisele is seen beaming at her then-husband’s camera in a sun-drenched marina.
Gisele Pelicot arrives in front of the courthouse before sentencing in the Pelicot case on December 19, 2024 in Avignon, France
A man hiding his face is surrounded by French police, journalists and protesters as he leaves after the verdict in the trial of Dominique Pelicot
Despite the opportunity to appeal, Pelicot could face another shameful trial as investigators believe the depraved 72-year-old may be responsible for the 1991 rape and murder of real estate agent Sophie Narme.
Detectives are investigating the cold case that bears a shocking similarity to an attempted rape of the 23-year-old real estate agent known as Marion in 1999.
She fought off her attacker and Pelicot’s DNA was later recovered at the scene, although he claims he did not try to rape her.
It comes as psychologists who interviewed Pelicot explained his complex psychological problems, saying the sexual abuse he claimed to have experienced as a child likely “honed” the traits that led him to become the man his own wife so loved. horribly abused.