Prosecutors seek up to 20 years in prison in gang rape case in France

French prosecutors have sought up to 20 years in prison for 51 men accused of participating in the ten-year drugging and rape of Gisèle Pelicot. The case, known as the Mazan rape case, shocked the country and attracted global attention as a symbol of the fight against sexual violence.

The harshest sentence sought was for Gisèle’s ex-husband, Dominique Pelicot, who prosecutors said carried out the attacks by calming Gisèle with tranquilizers and inviting strangers she met online to attack him.

Sentences range from four to 20 years for the least involved defendant; This reflects the seriousness of each defendant’s role in the crimes.

“With your decision you will show that ordinary rape does not exist. You will show that accidental or involuntary rape does not exist,” said Laure Chabaud, one of two prosecutors in the criminal court. vaucluse he told the court.

“You will give a message of hope to victims of sexual violence. You will return to Gisèle Pelicot some of her stolen humanity.”

difficult sentences

The penalties sought are much higher than the average for rape cases. FranceIt was 11.1 years in 2022, according to the Ministry of Justice. Prosecutors argue that the severity of the crimes in this case warrant harsher sentences.

The prosecution put forward detailed punishment demands after 11 weeks of hearings.

Dominique Pelicot admitted his actions throughout the trial. “I’m guilty of what I did… I ruined everything, I lost everything. I have to pay for it,” he said early in the hearing.

difficult sentences

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