Gisèle Pelicot Rape Case Appeal Begins in Southern France
On October 6, 2025, Gisèle Pelicot—the Frenchwoman who became a global symbol of resilience after surviving nearly a decade of drugging and sexual abuse—returned to court as one of her attackers appeals his conviction. The hearing, held at the Court of Appeal in Nîmes, marks a tense new chapter in one of France’s most disturbing and widely publicized sexual violence cases .
Table of Contents
- The Gisèle Pelicot Case: A National Reckoning
- Who Is Appealing—and Why?
- Gisèle’s Unwavering Presence
- How the French Appeal System Works in Rape Cases
- Why This Appeal Matters Beyond the Courtroom
- Sources
The Gisèle Pelicot Case: A National Reckoning
For almost 10 years, Gisèle Pelicot was drugged by her husband, Dominique Pelicot, and raped by dozens of men he invited into their home—often strangers he met online. The abuse, which began around 2011, remained hidden until 2021, when Gisèle discovered messages on her husband’s phone that unraveled the horrifying truth.
In a landmark trial that concluded in December 2024, 51 men—including Dominique—were convicted of aggravated rape. Dominique received the maximum sentence of 20 years. Gisèle waived her right to anonymity and insisted the trial be open to the public, turning her personal trauma into a national conversation about consent, misogyny, and justice .
Who Is Appealing—and Why?
The man challenging his conviction is Husamettin Dogan, 44, who was sentenced to prison for participating in the assaults. His appeal targets both the verdict and the length of his sentence. While details of his legal argument remain under judicial review, past appeals in similar cases have often claimed lack of awareness that Gisèle was drugged—a defense widely criticized by prosecutors and women’s rights advocates.
Under French law, even if a defendant claims ignorance of the victim’s incapacitated state, engaging in sexual acts without clear, conscious consent constitutes rape.
Gisèle’s Unwavering Presence
Now 72, Gisèle is not legally required to attend the appeal. Yet she has chosen to be present for every session—just as she was during the original trial. “She feels it’s her responsibility to be there,” said her lawyer Stéphane Babonneau. “She says, ‘I started something; I have to end it.’”
Once again, Gisèle has waived her right to a closed-door hearing, ensuring the proceedings remain transparent. Her decision reflects a deep commitment to accountability—and to ensuring no survivor’s story is buried in silence.
How the French Appeal System Works in Rape Cases
The appeal trial in Nîmes will be heard by three professional judges and a nine-member jury—a structure designed to balance legal expertise with public conscience. Unlike in some legal systems, French appeals can re-examine both facts and sentencing.
Legal experts note that overturning a conviction in such a high-profile, evidence-rich case would be rare—but not impossible. The outcome could set a precedent for how future cases involving drugging and non-consensual sex are interpreted.
Why This Appeal Matters Beyond the Courtroom
The Gisèle Pelicot case has already reshaped public discourse in France. It exposed how spousal betrayal can mask systemic sexual violence and forced institutions to confront gaps in victim protection.
Feminist groups like #NousToutes and ONU Femmes France are closely monitoring the appeal. “If this conviction is weakened,” said activist Claire Moreau, “it sends a message that drugging erases accountability—which is exactly the opposite of justice.”
