French Court Hears Appeal in Landmark Rape Case, Prosecutor Urges Harsher Sentence
AIX-EN-PROVENCE, France – An appeals court in Aix-en-Provence is considering an increase to the 15-year sentence given to Mustapha Dogan, convicted of raping Gisèle Pelicot after her husband, Dominique Pelicot, solicited someone to abuse her while she was sedated. Prosecutor Dominique Sie argued Wednesday that Dogan’s appeal and continued denial of responsibility demonstrate a persistent “rape culture” and warrant a more severe punishment. The case, originating in Mazan, Provence, between 2011 and 2020, has garnered international attention and sparked a global feminist movement centered around Pelicot’s valiant decision to waive her right to anonymity.
The trial revisits allegations that Dominique Pelicot used an online chatroom, titled “Without her knowledge,” to find a man willing to sexually assault his wife after rendering her unconscious. He allegedly told potential assailants by phone he was “looking for someone to abuse my wife after I’ve put her to sleep without her knowledge.” Video evidence presented during the initial trial reportedly showed Pelicot in a comatose state while Dogan committed the acts. Dogan maintains he only engaged in ”sexual acts” and was manipulated by Dominique Pelicot, while Sie contends his intransigence embodies a broader societal problem.
Sie directly addressed Dogan in court, stating, “As long as you refuse to admit it, it’s not just a woman, it’s an entire sordid social system that you are endorsing.” She further told the court that Dogan’s appeal signifies that “shame has not yet changed sides,” but expressed hope that societal awareness, fueled by Pelicot’s case, is driving a shift.
Gisèle pelicot, 72, became a symbol of resistance when she publicly declared, “Shame must change sides,” during last year’s trial. Turning to Pelicot in court Wednesday, Sie emphasized the significance of Dogan’s continued denial in the context of broader societal change.
A verdict is expected Thursday afternoon. The outcome will not only determine Dogan’s sentence but also potentially set a precedent for similar cases and further galvanize the movement against sexual violence.
