Gisèle Pelicot expressed her emotions on the steps of the Avignon courthouse after the verdicts in her case. She described the trial as a “very difficult ordeal” and stated her thoughts were with her children and grandchildren.
Pelicot empathized with families affected by the “tragedy” and victims not recognized, asserting they “share the same struggle.” The morning’s verdicts in the rape case involving Pelicot sparked intense reactions. Many women supporting her criticized the lighter sentences for some defendants, chanting “Shame on justice” outside the courthouse.
Dominique Pelicot, the ex-husband and main suspect, received the maximum sentence of 20 years, while some of the fifty other men on trial received lighter sentences. Six were released immediately, having already served time during pre-trial detention.
This led to tension and scuffles at the courthouse. French media reported police intervention when attendees attacked a suspect.
Gisèle Pelicot’s children expressed disappointment in the sentences for their father’s co-defendants, according to AFP. Public reaction outside the courtroom was mixed, with some seeing the verdicts as inadequate, while others viewed the judgement as a breakthrough.
A women’s activist told the BBC that the ruling marked progress for Pelicot and many other women. Education Minister Anne Genetet and the President of the French Parliament, Yaël Braun-Pivet, both praised Pelicot’s courage.
La Fondation des Femmes acknowledged Pelicot’s role and shared disappointment over some of the verdicts. Both the prosecution and the defendants can appeal the verdict.
Pelicot herself said she respects the sentences and has no regrets about opting for a public trial.
Source: NOS