72-year-old Pelicot has become known as the "monster from Avignon". He was accused of drugging his wife Gisèle for nearly ten years, raping her himself, and inviting other men to assault her.
On films from the assaults in the village of Mazan in southern France, investigators found at least 70 perpetrators. However, only about 50 could be identified. They were also brought to trial along with Pelicot, and all were found guilty, most of them for aggravated rape.
Dominique Pelicot himself was sentenced on December 19 to 20 years in prison for aggravated rape, attempted rape, and aggravated rape of one of the co-defendants' wives, as well as for taking pictures of a "sexual nature" of his daughter and two step-daughters.
Dominique Pelicot has decided not to appeal the verdict, says his lawyer Beatrice Zavarro.
72-year-old Gisèle Pelicot has been hailed as a feminist hero for her decision to hold the trial against her ex-husband open. Among others, French President Emmanuel Macron has thanked Gisèle Pelicot for the courage she has shown.
