In the trial, Dominique Pelicot was sentenced to 20 years in prison for drugging his wife Gisèle, raping her and inviting tens of strange men to assault her in their bedroom. Gisèle Pelicot testified against her husband in a highly publicized manner and was greatly praised for her courage.
"Gisèle, the women thank you", it says on a colorful poster outside the court on Monday where Gisèle Pelicot is met with applause and encouraging shouts. She has been hailed as a feminist hero for her decision to refuse to be ashamed of what she has been subjected to.
Claims to have been misled
44-year-old Hüsamettin Dogan was one of 50 men who were sentenced for raping Pelicot, but the only one whose appeal is being taken further for consideration. He claims to have been misled by Pelicot's husband, who is said to have presented it as if they were a sexually adventurous couple where the woman wanted to "pretend to sleep" during the act.
Dogan is also said to have received a message written in her name. What happened was a rape, the man admits, but he compares it to a trap and wants the criminal responsibility to be placed on Dominique Pelicot.
I am here because I never wanted to rape this lady, whom I respect, said Dogan during the initial court day on Monday.
Long prison sentence
He maintains that he never went to the couple's home with the intention of raping anyone, emphasized Dogan's defense lawyer Jean-Marc Darrigade.
The trial is being held from Monday to Thursday this week. Hüsamettin Dogan was sentenced to nine years in prison, but the sentence has not yet come into effect.
