An appeal trial is scheduled for Dominique Pelicot, who was convicted last year of crimes related to the rape of his partner, Gisèle Pelicot, in Mazan, south-east France. Ms. Pelicot is expected to attend the proceedings. Mr. Pelicot, currently serving a prison sentence in solitary confinement, will appear as a witness during the appeal.
The original trial in Avignon heard allegations that Mr. Pelicot had administered sedatives to Ms. Pelicot and facilitated the rape of his partner by multiple men, recording these acts on electronic devices. This appeal unfolds amidst heightened scrutiny and criticism of the French justice system’s handling of rape cases.
Recent reports have indicated significant systemic failures in France regarding rape complainants. The European Court of Human Rights also recently condemned France for failing to protect the rights of three teenagers who reported rape. Campaigners, including Anne-Cécile Mailfert of the Fondation des Femmes, have stated that the initial Pelicot case served as a catalyst for discussions on rape and marital rape, while others advocate for fundamental reforms to the system’s approach to such cases.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/oct/05/gisele-pelicot-to-attend-appeals-court-as-man-convicted-of-raping-her-contests-verdict