After 16 weeks, the Pelicot trial has concluded.
This morning’s session was shorter than many had expected, with the court president, Roger Arata, quickly going over the guilty convictions he and four other judges handed down to the 51 defendants, and then separately spelling out the sentencing for each of them. This also included a sentence for her husband Dominique Pelicot who originally filmed his wife’s rape.
Before midday, this trial, which had gripped people in France and elsewhere, was done.Gisèle Pelicot entered the Avignon trial as an unnamed retired French grandmother. Only a few journalists were waiting for her at the time.
Today in France she is regarded as a feminist icon, as she descended the courthouse steps for the last time.
Over a hundred journalists watched her every move as she placed her palm on her heart and smiled silently, thanking the crowds of admirers who sang her name.
When her car drove away, supporters wiped their tears. Their appreciation for this little but remarkable woman was apparent.She’ll be remembered for a long time.
