The president of France, Emmanuel Macronthanked this Friday Gisele Pelicot for his “dignity” and his “bravery”after her now ex-husband, Dominique Pelicot, received the maximum sentence for drugging her for at least ten years so that dozens of individuals could rape her in her own home. Another 50 defendants have been sentenced to prison terms of between three and 15 years.
“Thank you Gisèle Pélicot. For these words of justice in the name of which you have faced the ordeal with your head held high”the French president wrote in a message on his account on the social network X.
“For the womenwho forever have a reference to speak and fight. For all of us, since your dignity and bravery have moved and inspired France and the world“, he added.
Apologies from Dominique
Dominique Pelicot himself, who had confessed to the crimes during the trial, asked for forgiveness earlier this week from his wife, Gisèle Pelicot, and his family during his last statement. “One is not born with a perversion, one becomes perverted. I was a normal grandfather, like everyone else, until I got off the path”he acknowledged.
Shortly after learning of the sentence, Gisèle assured that ““He has led this fight before justice for his children and grandchildren.”. “I feel great emotion. I think of my children: David, Caroline and Florian. I think of my grandchildren because they are the future and it is for them that I have fought this battle. I also think of all the families that have been affected by this tragedy. We fight the same battles“he asserted.
The city of Avignon woke up with banners in support of the victim, whom they thanked for her bravery and courage in making “shame change sides”, as Gisèle Pelicot has been maintaining all these months.
