Prosecutors requested a 20-year prison sentence for Dominique
O tribunal of Avignon, na received the last of the 50 men called to testify in the Gisèle Pelicot rape case. Philippe Leleu, 62, is one of the defendants involved in the trial that revolves around her ex-husband, Dominique Pelicot. The latter admitted to having drugged Gisèle for almost a decade, with the intention of raping her and making her body available to strangers. Prosecutors requested a 20-year prison sentence for Dominique. The defendants, whose ages range from 27 to 74, face charges of aggravated rape, attempted rape and sexual assault. Most of them have common occupations, and approximately 40% have a criminal record. During the process, Leleu pleaded not guilty, claiming that Dominique had informed him that Gisèle was under the influence of drugs. Other defendants, such as Christian Lescole, also reported not remembering the events.
Joseph Cocco, one of the defendants, was accused of sexual assault but not rape. He declared that he was not aware of Gisèle’s unconscious state and did not call the police. The trial revealed the complexity of the case, with the defendants presenting different versions of consent and the circumstances surrounding the acts. The case of Gisèle Pelicot has generated great repercussions in French society, raising questions about the culture of consent and the responsibility of those involved. The defendants’ defense attempts to deflect blame, while prosecutors seek justice for the victim, who has suffered for years. The expectation is that the court will take into account all testimony and evidence presented throughout the trial.
Published by Sarah Paula
*Report produced with the help of AI
