During a mass rape trial last year, Frenchwoman Gisele Pelicot became a feminist hero. On Wednesday, she brought herself back into the national spotlight by telling the one man who still denies raping her that he had to “take responsibility” for his crimes.
In a case that stunned the globe, the 72-year-old’s ex-husband acknowledged giving her hypnotic drugs and inviting scores of strangers to rape and abuse her over almost ten years. A court in southern France sentenced 72-year-old Dominique Pelicot to a maximum of 20 years in prison last year. He is not contesting his sentence, nor are the other 49 persons found guilty in the case.
Speaking calmly but firmly, Gisele Pelicot, who is well-known for arguing that the victims of sexual violence should not feel humiliated, flatly rejected his position. You are not Mr. Pelicot’s victim in any manner. Accept accountability for your deeds. “I am ashamed of you!” she exclaimed during the third day of the appeal trial in the city of Nimes. When did I give you my permission? Pelicot Gisele added. Since the trial began on Monday, Pelicot has been welcomed with cheers each time she enters the courthouse, and she expressed her wish that she would never again be in a courtroom.
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