Gisèle Pelicot’s rapist admits guilt during trial in France

AvignonDominique Pelicot, accused of drugging his wife so that she could be raped by dozens of strangers, admitted on Tuesday that he was “a rapist” and said that Gisèle Pelicot “did not deserve” the ordeal she suffered for nearly ten years.

“I am a rapist, like everyone in this room. They all knew it, they cannot say otherwise,” Pelicot said, referring to the 50 co-defendants, some of whom expressed their disapproval.

The 71-year-old man has been on trial since September 2 in the Avignon court in southern France for drugging his ex-wife, giving her drugs to make her sleep, and raping her along with dozens of strangers between 2011 and 2020.

“I never doubted this man for a second” and “I trusted him completely,” explained Gisèle Pelicot. “I loved this man for 50 years. I would have put my two hands in the fire for him,” she added.

The 71-year-old woman and main victim “did not deserve this,” said the main defendant in the case, before reacting to the statements of his now ex-wife, at the request of the court.

“I am guilty of what I did. I beg my wife, my children, my grandchildren, Mrs. M. [esposa de otro acusado a la que también habría violado] “I ask for forgiveness, even though this is not acceptable,” he added.

“She was wonderful,” he declared, as Gisèle stared at him in court, an AFP journalist noted. “I loved her for 40 years and I loved her badly for 10 years. I should never have done that. I ruined everything. I lost everything. I must pay for it,” he added.

His first interrogation, which was delayed by a week from the scheduled date, was eagerly awaited by the victim and the other 50 defendants, aged between 26 and 74, who face sentences of up to 20 years in prison.

His presence in court on Tuesday, thanks to a medical protocol – adapted chair, breaks – generated expectations, after he was absent from the trial for more than a week due to health problems.

Dominique Pelicot is “not hiding” from the “monstrous” charges against her, her lawyer, Béatrice Zavarro, stressed during a break in the trial.