Thu Oct 09 17:00:27 UTC 2025: **News Article:**
**French Court Increases Sentence for Man Who Sexually Abused Drugged Woman**
**Nimes, France** – Husamettin Dogan, 44, has seen his sentence increased to 10 years in prison by a French appeals court after being found guilty of sexually abusing Gisele Pelicot, 72. The landmark case has drawn national attention to issues of consent and domestic violence.
Dogan’s original sentence was appealed, and the court in Nimes found his actions, knowingly taking advantage of a drugged and unconscious Pelicot, warranted a harsher punishment. He will also be required to undergo mandatory treatment for five years. Dogan remained impassive as the verdict was read.
The case stems from a horrifying scheme orchestrated by Pelicot’s ex-husband, Dominique Pelicot, who is serving a 20-year sentence for drugging his wife of 50 years and inviting strangers to sexually assault her, filming the acts. Dogan was one of over 50 men involved.
During the appeal, Dominique Pelicot denied coercing Dogan or misleading him about the situation. However, investigators presented video evidence from the night of June 28, 2019, when Dogan visited the couple’s home in Mazan, clearly showing Pelicot was unconscious and unable to consent. According to testimony, Dogan paused when she stirred, only to resume the assault after determining it was merely a reflex.
French prosecutor Dominique Sie argued for a 12-year sentence, citing Dogan’s refusal to take responsibility for his actions, stating, “As long as you refuse to admit it, it’s not just a woman, it’s an entire sordid social system that you are endorsing.” Dogan claimed he believed the encounter was consensual.
Gisele Pelicot, who bravely waived her anonymity during the initial trial, attended the appeal proceedings and directly confronted her abuser, urging him to “take responsibility” for his actions. Her courage has been praised as a catalyst for change, leading to increased awareness and prompting efforts to reform France’s laws on rape and sexual assault.
Lawmakers are currently working on legislation to update the definition of rape to explicitly include the need for affirmative consent. Pelicot was named a knight of the Legion of Honour in July.
First Piper 