French prosecutors have sought a 20-year prison term for Dominique Pelicot, accusing him of facilitating the mass rape of his wife Gisele Pelicot by dozens of men, drugging her unconscious, and sharing pictures and videos of her sexual assault.
The case, which has drawn significant public attention, is nearing its conclusion after nearly three months of hearings in Avignon.
Mr Pelicot, 72, has admitted to secretly mixing sedatives into his wife’s food and drink over several years, leaving her unconscious so he could rape her and invite others to do the same.
Many of the 51 other men on trial have claimed they were unaware they were raping Ms Pelicot, denied intending to harm her, or shifted all responsibility onto her then husband, accusing him of manipulation.
Prosecutor Laure Chabaud demanded the maximum sentence for aggravated rape, stating: “The maximum sentence is 20 years, which is a lot … but at the same time … too little in view of the seriousness of the acts that were committed and repeated”.
During the court proceedings, Mr Pelicot sat silently, his gaze fixed on the floor, leaning on a cane as the prosecutor outlined her recommendations.
Over the next two days, prosecutors are expected to outline the sentences they seek for each defendant. Verdicts and sentencing are anticipated by 20 December.
Mr Pelicot’s lawyer, Beatrice Zavarro, said it was unsurprising that prosecutors had called for the maximum sentence against her client.
The trial, involving 51 defendants accused of participating in the assaults, has positioned Ms Pelicot, 71, as a powerful symbol in the fight against sexual violence in France. She has insisted on a public trial, rejecting the court’s initial suggestion to hold proceedings behind closed doors.
Her bravery has been widely praised, with observers commending her poise and decision to allow her full name to be published – an uncommon move under French law for victims of sexual violence. The court is expected to issue its verdict before 20 December.
Additional reporting by agencies