Several men convicted in mass rape trial of Gisèle Pelicot

In a landmark trial in France, dozens of men, including Gisèle Pelicot’s ex-husband Dominique Pelicot, were found guilty of raping and sexually assaulting her over a decade. Pelicot, 72, received cheers and applause as she arrived at the courthouse in Avignon, where her ex-husband was sentenced to 20 years in prison. A total of 46 men were found guilty of rape, with sentences ranging from three to 13 years. Despite the emotional proceedings, only a few of the accused expressed remorse. Pelicot learned of her ordeal when police investigated her husband for secretly filming women. She chose to make her case public in an effort to challenge the rape culture and patriarchal society that trivializes sexual violence. The trial, which attracted significant media attention, was seen as a milestone for women’s rights in France and a potential turning point in addressing issues survivors face in obtaining justice. Campaigners hope to change the perceptions and treatment of victims of sexual violence in a country where many women believe they are not treated equally under the law. Overall, the trial highlighted the deep-seated challenges in the legal system that prevent survivors from seeking justice and the urgent need for reform to protect victims and hold perpetrators accountable.

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