Husband of Gisèle Pelicot Found Guilty of Rape Conspiracy, Sentenced to 20 Years

In a shocking verdict that has captured the attention of France and beyond, a court found 65-year-old Vinzents Pelicot guilty of orchestrating the rape of his wife, Gisèle Pelicot. The ruling came after a trial that revealed disturbing details of the case, which began when Gisèle Pelicot accused her husband of inviting multiple men to assault her. The court highlighted the elements of coercion and betrayal in Pelicot’s actions. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison, with the prosecution stating that Pelicot used their ‘conjugal’ relationship to perpetuate the abuses. Gisèle, now 44, described her experience to the court, expressing, ‘I felt like a prisoner in my own home.’ The verdict was met with a mixed reaction; while many applauded the outcome, others criticized the societal attitudes towards women in similar situations. This case has reignited discussions on sexual violence in France, where statistics show that one in ten women reports being a victim. The trial has also highlighted the need for comprehensive reforms to protect victims and ensure justice.