Dominique Pelicot Declines to Appeal Conviction in French Rape Case

Dominique Pelicot, convicted of drugging and facilitating the rape of his wife, Gisèle Pelicot, will not appeal his 20-year sentence. This decision comes as more than a third of the other 50 men convicted have filed appeals against their sentences, highlighting ongoing discussions surrounding spousal violence and sexual assault in France.

Dominique Pelicot, a 72-year-old who acknowledged drugging his wife for years to enable the rape of her by multiple men, has decided not to appeal his conviction on charges of aggravated rape and related offenses, according to his attorney. This decision, announced by lawyer Béatrice Zavarro, follows a trial that revealed shocking details about Pelicot's actions and highlighted systemic issues of spousal violence and pervasive rape culture, igniting widespread outrage and calls for reform across France.

While Pelicot will serve a 20-year sentence handed down by a five-judge panel on December 19, the case remains highly relevant as it continues to unfold. More than a third of the 50 other defendants involved—many of whom were also found guilty of rape—are appealing their convictions, indicating that this complicated case is far from resolved.

Zavarro indicated that Pelicot believes pursuing an appeal could inflict further emotional distress on his ex-wife, for whom he stated he never sought to treat as an adversary in the proceedings. His decision also stems from concerns that filing an appeal could potentially expose him to additional charges or a heavier sentence.

The remaining defendants, sentenced to terms ranging from three to 15 years, include some who have already served their time and been released before the trial concluded, raising questions about the effectiveness of the penalties in deterring sexual violence. The case has galvanized public sentiment and sparked deeper conversations about the pervasive issue of sexual assault, with many advocates stressing the need for societal change to better protect victims and hold perpetrators accountable.