Gisèle Pelicot says she “never regretted” going public for trial
Gisèle Pelicot has said she “never regretted” making her name public in the trial, in brief remarks outside the courtroom following the sentencing of her ex-husband and dozens of other men for her mass rape.
Pelicot took the brave and unorthodox decision to waive her anonymity at the trial’s outset.
Under French law, she could have asked for the trial to be kept behind closed doors. But Pelicot said she wanted to make the horrors of her case known to give other victims of sexual violence the courage to speak up.
I’ve never regretted that decision,” Pelicot told reporters after her rapists had been sentenced.
“I have faith now in our capacity to carve out collectively a future where women and men can live in harmony, in respect and mutual understanding,” she added.
During the trial, Pelicot said she had waived her anonymity because “it is time for society to look at this macho, patriarchal society and change the way it looks at rape.”
Outside the court, dozens of activists had gathered to show their support for Pelicot. “Merci!” they chanted after 51 men were sentenced.
Other campaigners expressed disappointment after most of the men were given shorter sentences than prosecutors had asked for, including a few who walked free after receiving suspended sentences.
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