Gisèle Pelicot Returns to Court as Landmark French Rape Case Appeal Begins
Gisèle Pelicot Returns to Court as Landmark French Rape Case Appeal Begins
The highly anticipated appeal in the Gisèle Pelicot landmark drugging and rape case began yesterday, October 6, 2025, in Nimes, southern France. Gisèle Pelicot, who has become a global symbol of resilience against sexual violence, was met with applause as she arrived at the courthouse for the appeal hearing of Husamettin Dogan, one of the men convicted in the original trial.
Dogan, a 44-year-old construction worker, was sentenced to nine years in prison last December. He denies intending to rape Pelicot, claiming he was deceived by Dominique Pelicot, Gisèle’s ex-husband, who drugged his wife and offered her to strangers online for sexual assaults, which he then filmed. Dogan faces charges of aggravated rape by administering substances that impair judgment or self-control, an offense that carries a maximum sentence of 20 years. He remains free while the trial proceeds.
Gisèle Pelicot, wearing a pink jacket, entered the courthouse under police escort, shaking hands with supporters who offered words of encouragement. Her decision to push for public hearings in the original proceedings drew international attention and sparked a national reckoning over rape culture in France. She famously stated her desire for all victims to feel empowered: “I don’t want them to feel ashamed anymore. It’s not for us to feel shame — it’s for them.”
The original trial, which concluded less than a year ago, saw Pelicot’s ex-husband and 50 other men convicted of sexually assaulting her between 2011 and 2020 while she was under chemical submission. Dominique Pelicot received a 20-year sentence and did not appeal. Of the 17 men who initially appealed their convictions, only Dogan has pursued his challenge.
Unlike the four-month original trial, this appeal is scheduled to conclude within four days, with a verdict expected by Thursday. This swift retrial continues to highlight the profound impact of Gisèle Pelicot’s courage and advocacy in the ongoing fight against sexual violence.
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