Fri Dec 20 18:57:18 UTC 2024: ## French Rape Victim Gisèle Pélicot Receives International Acclaim After Husband’s Conviction

**PARIS** – Gisèle Pélicot, a 72-year-old woman who bravely waived her right to anonymity to testify against her husband, Dominique Pelicot, has received widespread international praise following his conviction. A French court sentenced Dominique Pelicot to 20 years in prison for repeatedly drugging and raping his wife, a crime he facilitated by inviting approximately 70 other men to participate. Fifty of these men were identified and received lesser sentences.

World leaders lauded Pélicot’s courage and resilience. French President Emmanuel Macron hailed her as an inspiration, stating her “dignity and courage have moved and inspired France and the world.” German Chancellor Olaf Scholz thanked her for “giving women around the world a strong voice,” while Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez praised her dignity and called for a shift in the shame associated with such crimes. Several other French officials, including former Prime Minister Gabriel Attal and far-right politician Jordan Bardella, also expressed their admiration and gratitude.

Attal highlighted the case as a crucial moment for free speech and acknowledged the suffering of Pélicot’s daughter, Caroline Darian, calling her an equal victim. The crimes took place in the French town of Mazan after the couple’s retirement.

Pélicot’s willingness to publicly share her ordeal has sparked global conversation about sexual assault and the importance of victim support. Her story serves as a powerful testament to the strength and perseverance of survivors seeking justice.

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