Gisèle Pelicot spoke of her “very difficult ordeal” after 51 men were all found guilty Thursday in the drugging-and-rape trial that turned her into a feminist hero, expressing support for other victims of sexual violence whose cases don’t get such attention and “whose stories remain untold.”
The court sentenced her ex-husband, Dominique Pelicot, to 20 years in prison for drugging and raping her and allowing other men to rape her while she was unconscious, knocked out by tranquilizers he hid in her food and drink.
The court sentenced her ex-husband, Dominique Pelicot, to 20 years in prison for drugging and raping her and allowing other men to rape her while she was unconscious, knocked out by tranquilizers he hid in her food and drink.
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NewsTranscript
00:00It is with a deep emotion that I express myself today in front of you.
00:05This trial was a very difficult test and at this moment I think first of my three children, David, Caroline and Florian.
00:15I also think of my grandchildren because they are the future and it is also for them that I led this fight, as well as my beautiful daughters Aurora and Céline.
00:31I also think of all the other families affected by this tragedy.
00:35I finally think of the unrecognised victims whose stories often remain in the shadows.
00:42I want you to know that we share the same fight.
00:46I want to express my deepest gratitude to all the people who supported me throughout this trial.
00:55Your testimonies have moved me and I have used the strength to come back every day to face these long days of audience.
01:05I wanted, by opening the doors of this trial on September 2, that society could seize the debates that were held.
01:16I have never regretted this decision.
01:20I now trust in our ability to collectively seize a future in which each woman and man can live in harmony, in mutual respect and understanding.