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Gisèle Pelicot faces one of her rapists in court again

Gisèle Pelicot returns to court against rapist

Gisèle Pelicot faces one of her rapists in court, marking ongoing struggles against sexual violence in France. Despite some improvements, many victims feel little has changed.

  • Gisèle Pelicot returns to court
  • One rapist appeals last year's conviction
  • Mixed reactions in Mazan town
  • Increased reporting of sexual violence
  • Concerns over government response
  • Current climate described as deteriorating
  • Trial impacts perceived as limited
  • Need for ongoing reform highlighted

Gisèle Pelicot is returning to court to face one of her rapists, who is appealing last year’s conviction. A total of 51 people were found guilty in the case where Pelicot was raped in her home.

Court Developments and Case Details

Gisèle Pelicot, aged 72, returned to court in Nîmes in October 2025 to face the sole appellant among 51 convicted men who abused her over nearly a decade. Husamettin Dogan, a 44-year-old construction worker, was sentenced to 10 years in prison—an increase from his original 9-year sentence—for raping Pelicot after her ex-husband drugged her unconscious. The court also mandated a five-year treatment for Dogan. His defense claimed ignorance of Pelicot’s state, alleging he was deceived into believing it was a consensual arrangement; the court rejected this based on clear video evidence showing Pelicot unconscious and unresponsive during the assault. Dominique Pelicot, Gisèle’s ex-husband, admitted to drugging her and facilitating assaults by dozens of men he recruited online; he was sentenced to 20 years.[1][3][4][6]

Out of the 51 men convicted for sexual offenses ranging from rape to assault, 17 initially appealed but withdrew their appeals later. Dogan was the only one to persist in challenging his conviction. The case was heard by a mixed jury of nine citizens and three judges in the appeals trial, unlike the original five-judge panel.[3][6]

Community Reactions in Mazan

The community of Mazan, where Pelicot lives, shows mixed reactions. Some locals view the persistent media attention as intrusive, framing the events as a private family matter irrelevant to the broader town. The mayor echoed the sentiment, calling it a personal issue.

On the other hand, many women and civil servants argue the case uncovers deeper unresolved issues around domestic violence. They suspect that more perpetrators remain unpunished in the community, reflecting ongoing silent suffering and systemic challenges in addressing abuse [original context].[6]

National Impact on Sexual Violence Awareness and Law

Pelcot’s case sparked national and international attention, propelling her as a symbol for victims of sexual violence in France. Waiving her anonymity, Pelicot’s courage helped expose rape culture and domestic violence realities.

Despite increased reporting of sexual assaults, conviction rates have been slow to improve. Experts highlight emerging challenges, such as the rise of deepfake pornography and persistent societal attitudes minimizing consent.

Following the momentum, French legislators have advanced laws redefining rape to include any non-consensual sexual act, marking a critical shift towards consent-based legal definitions. A bill reflecting this change is expected to be approved shortly.[5][8][10]

Ongoing Challenges in Justice Reform

Advocates note that despite the landmark cases, practical reforms remain insufficient. Police and judiciary departments lack adequate resources and training to handle sexual violence cases effectively. Pelicot’s public stand brought awareness but highlighted the slow pace of systemic change. Her legal team underscores their commitment to ensure justice is fully served.[1][3]

Emily Johnson

Emily Johnson

Senior Political Journalist

United States – Washington, D.C. World

Emily Johnson is a senior journalist and political analyst with nearly a decade of experience in political journalism, international affairs, policy analysis, and investigative reporting. She holds a B.A. in Journalism & Political Communication from Georgetown University (2015), where she built a strong foundation in international relations, media ethics, and data-driven reporting. Emily began her career as a staff writer for Reuters before joining Politico Europe, where she became known for her evidence-based and policy-focused coverage of global political developments, leadership transitions, and international diplomacy. Currently based in Berlin, Germany, she contributes to Faharas NET, focusing on global politics, European policy, and cross-border investigations. Her writing blends rigorous fact-checking, accessible analysis, and deep geopolitical insight, earning her a reputation for credibility and balance in an increasingly polarized media landscape.

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Elena Voren is a senior journalist and Tech Section Editor with 8 years of experience focusing on AI ethics, social media impact, and consumer software. She is recognized for interviewing industry leaders and academic experts while clearly distinguishing opinion from evidence-based reporting. She earned her B.A. in Cognitive Science from the University of California, Berkeley (2016), where she studied human-computer interaction, AI, and digital behavior. Elena’s work emphasizes the societal implications of technology, ensuring readers understand both the practical and ethical dimensions of emerging tools. She leads the Tech Section at Faharas NET, supervising coverage on AI, consumer software, digital society, and privacy technologies, while maintaining rigorous editorial standards. Based in Berlin, Germany, Elena provides insightful analyses on technology trends, ethical AI deployment, and the influence of social platforms on modern life.

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Updates

Editorial Timeline

Revisions
— by Elena Voren
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Initial publication.

Correction Record

Accountability
— by Elena Voren
  1. Added latest court sentence updates and appeal details
  2. Included precise names and roles of key individuals
  3. Clarified legal process and jury composition
  4. Incorporated community reactions with balanced perspectives
  5. Added recent legislative changes on rape laws
  6. Highlighted ongoing justice system challenges
  7. Included data from reputable global news sources
  8. Structured content with clear, concise sections

FAQ

What is the focus of the Pelicot case?

It highlights ongoing issues of sexual violence in France.

What do local leaders say about the case?

They express a desire to move on from the controversy.

How effective are government measures?

Critics argue they lack strategic direction.