Dozens of men, including Gisele Pellicot’s ex-husband, have been found guilty of rape and sexual assault in a historic trial that shocked France.
Dominique Pelicot, 72, who admitted drugging her over a decade and inviting dozens of men to rape her while she was unconscious, was indicted by the chief of the court in the southern town of Avignon. The judge sentenced him to 20 years in prison.
In the high-profile case, 46 other men were found guilty of rape, including two for attempted rape and two for sexual assault, according to NBC News’ UK broadcast partner Sky News. Their ages ranged from 26 to 74 and were sentenced to three to eight years in prison.
About 15 people admitted, but only a few of the defendants expressed remorse before sentencing.
Pellicott listened to her ex-husband’s sentencing in a courtroom with other defendants in the room and surrounded by police.
With emotions expected to run high, about 200 police officers are expected to be deployed in and around the courthouse, which will be packed with family members of the defendants, spectators from around the world and reporters. More than 150 journalists were assigned to cover the trial, which many activists considered a watershed moment for women’s rights in France.
This is a development story. Please check back for updates.
Linda Hewee Contributed.