Trial in Avignon – Son of rapist: “Family was destroyed”

David Pelicot said he hoped his family would eventually be able to “erase this man from our minds, sitting here on my left.” During his statements, he referred to his father only as “this gentleman.” Pelicot described in court on Monday how the family discovered that his father had drugged his then wife Gisèle for years with sleeping pills and raped her together with strangers he had contacted on internet forums.

The crime lasted ten years. 50 suspected rapists are on trial before Dominique Pelicot and face prison sentences of up to twenty years. The 72-year-old is also alleged to have drugged and raped his daughter Caroline. “If you have any decency left, I want you to tell the truth about what you did to my sister,” David Pelicot said. The Frenchman is also said to have asked his grandson to “play doctor”.

The man has already confessed
The trial in Avignon is already in its final phase. Dominique Pelicot has confessed to repeatedly drugging and raping his ex-wife between 2011 and 2020 (see video above). At least 92 cases involved strange men, but only 50 of them could be identified.

Numerous photos and videos of the crimes were found at Pelicot’s home, some of which were shown in court. Gisèle Pelicot had insisted that this be done publicly “so that the shame changes sides.” Three more weeks are scheduled for the other defendants’ pleas. The verdict should be delivered no later than December 20.