The mass rape trial that has shocked France and the world concluded with 51 men found guilty. Gisèle Pellico as 51 Men, All but two are now in jail for their crimes against one woman: 72-year-old Gisèle Pellico. Her ex-husband, whom she married in 1973, received the longest sentence—20 years—for drugging his wife and allowing dozens of men to repeatedly rape her over a 10-year period.
Gisèle Pellico waived her right to anonymity during the three-month trial, hoping to expose the horrifying reality of her ordeal. Our correspondent, Andrew Harding, reports from the courthouse in Avignon, in the south of France.
The accused arrived at court early, their faces masked as usual. Some carried prison bags, already resigned to their fate, while others displayed open contempt for the proceedings. But the crowd outside the courthouse, alongside a swarm of cameras, wasn’t there for them. This trial has become synonymous with one woman: Gisèle Pellico.
This morning, her face appeared calm—serene, even. The rape survivor who refused to bear shame. Inside the crowded courtroom, the judge quickly proceeded with the day’s agenda: delivering verdicts and sentences for all 51 men.
Dominique Pellico, seated quietly in his glass enclosure, was the first to hear his fate. The court found him guilty of aggravated rape and sentenced him to 20 years in prison—the maximum penalty in France for rape. He showed no emotion, nor did his former wife, Gisèle, who sat silently in the courtroom.
Outside, reactions were mixed. Some celebrated the news, while others expressed anger that many of the men received lighter sentences than expected. Cries of “shame” rang out from the crowd.
Back in the courtroom, Dominique Pellico’s lawyer stated that her client was considering an appeal. When asked about his mood, she described it as “fatalistic”—a sentiment that had defined his demeanor throughout the trial.
Later, Gisèle Pellico addressed the media, her voice filled with emotion:
“This trial was a very difficult ordeal. I think, first of all, of my three children: David, Caroline, and Florian. I also think of my grandchildren, because they are the future. It’s for them, too, that I’ve fought this battle. I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who supported me throughout this ordeal. Your support gave me the strength to face these long court hearings every day.
I chose to waive my anonymity so that society could see what was happening. I’ve never regretted this decision. I now have confidence in our collective ability to build a better future where men and women can live together in harmony, with respect and mutual understanding. Thank you.”
Half a century ago, Gisèle and Dominique Pellico met and fell in love. She once described him as the perfect husband. However, a supermarket incident in 2020 shattered that image. Dominique was caught filming up women’s skirts, and further investigation uncovered a trove of evidence. Police discovered videos proving he had invited dozens of strangers to rape his wife while she was drugged.
Psychiatrists later assessed Dominique Pellico in prison. One report stated:
“Mr. Pellico desired total control over his wife. He sought to reduce her to an object for his satisfaction, which he could then lend to others. To achieve this, he needed to drug her.”
This trial also uncovered evidence of past crimes. DNA linked Pellico to the 1991 rape and murder of Sophie Nahm, charges he denies. He was also found to have taken indecent images of his daughter, Caroline, who attended the trial alongside her brothers. She believes her father also raped her.
This afternoon, Pellico and most of the other convicted men—who included firemen, a journalist, and a nurse—began their sentences. Among them, three-quarters are fathers. Outside the courthouse, tensions flared when a defense lawyer taunted the crowd, calling them “hysterical” and hurling insults.
As Gisèle Pellico emerged from the courthouse for the final time, she was met with applause and chants. Her courageous decision to speak out has left an indelible mark on society. Many believe her public stance will inspire lasting change.
In Avignon and across France, conversations about consent, sexual violence, and the use of drugs to facilitate rape have taken center stage. This case has shed light on the alarming fact that such crimes often occur in homes and involve people known to the victim.
As the crowd sang “Rise up,” Gisèle Pellico walked away, engulfed by gratitude and admiration. Her bravery has shifted attitudes and will likely continue to ripple through society for decades to come.
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