Appeals Court Delivers Harsher Sentence in Landmark Sexual Violence Case
A French appeals court has delivered a significant ruling in the high-profile Gisèle Pelicot case, increasing the prison sentence of Husamettin Dogan from 9 to 10 years. The 44-year-old construction worker was the only one of 51 convicted men to appeal his guilty verdict in what has become a landmark case exposing systemic sexual violence in France.
The Appeal and Judicial Response
During Monday's hearing at the appeals court in Nîmes, Dogan argued that he never intended to rape Pelicot and believed the assault was 'just a game.' However, the presiding judge rejected this defense, stating that 'rape is a small death' and holding Dogan fully responsible for his actions. The court found that Dogan was 'fully aware' that Pelicot was unconscious during the assault, particularly noting that he withdrew when she moved slightly, indicating his consciousness of her vulnerable state.
Beyond the increased prison term, the court imposed additional measures including five years of court-ordered therapy and post-release supervision. This ruling represents a significant escalation in judicial response to sexual violence cases in France, where conviction rates for rape remain alarmingly low.
The Broader Case and Its Impact
The Pelicot case involves systematic abuse spanning nearly a decade, during which Gisèle Pelicot's ex-husband, Dominique Pelicot, drugged her and invited dozens of men to sexually assault her while she was unconscious. The abuse came to light in 2020 when Dominique was arrested for upskirting women in a supermarket, leading police to discover extensive evidence of the assaults on his computer equipment.
In December 2024, 51 men were convicted in what became one of France's largest sexual violence trials. Dominique Pelicot received the maximum 20-year sentence, while the other convicted men received prison terms ranging from 3 to 15 years. The case has attracted worldwide attention and sparked crucial conversations about sexual violence and consent laws in France.
Gisèle Pelicot's Courageous Stand
Now 72, Gisèle Pelicot has become a feminist icon and symbol of courage in France. She waived her right to anonymity and insisted on a public trial to draw attention to sexual violence issues. Her lawyer emphasized that the appeal process meant Pelicot had to endure 'another ordeal' but that she was determined to demonstrate that 'rape is rape, and there's no such thing as a small rape.'
Pelicot's bravery has earned her widespread recognition, including being named a knight of the Legion of Honour on Bastille Day 2025. She was recently welcomed at the courthouse with applause and banners, reflecting her status as a national figure in the fight against sexual violence.
Legal Reforms and National Reckoning
The Pelicot case has exposed critical gaps in France's legal framework, particularly the absence of consent-based definitions in rape laws. Current French law defines rape based on 'violence, coercion, threat, or surprise' but notably omits any reference to consent, allowing defenses based on misunderstanding.
The case has prompted urgent calls for legal reform, with Justice Minister Didier Migaud and Senator Mélanie Vogel supporting changes to incorporate consent into French rape laws. As one legal expert noted, 'France faces mounting pressure from international human rights bodies to align with consent-based rape laws common in other European countries.' The current system sees approximately 98% of reported rapes fail to reach court, highlighting the need for systemic change.
The appeals court's decision to increase Dogan's sentence sends a powerful message about judicial accountability in sexual violence cases. As France continues to grapple with the implications of the Pelicot case, this ruling represents a step toward stronger protections for victims and greater accountability for perpetrators.
Sources: AP News, CNN, BISI Report