AVIGNON (France), November 19 — The sons of the man who organized the mass rape of their mother Gisèle Pélicot in a case that shook France, yesterday asked the court to punish him severely and said they would not would never forgive him.

Dominique Pelicot admitted in court to having invited dozens of strangers to their home for nearly 10 years to rape his wife, now 71, after drugging her. Fifty other men are also accused of raping her.

“Our family was destroyed,” one of the sons, David Pelicot, 50, told the Avignon court. “I expect from this trial that … these men, and this man in the dock (his father), will be punished for the horrors they inflicted on my mother.”

At one point, Dominique Pelicot interrupted his son’s testimony by saying he wanted to apologize for what he had done. David Pelicot replied: “Never!

He said he and other family members destroyed photos to ensure they kept no trace of his father.

Speaking at times through tears, David said he hoped the trial would encourage other women to speak out against the rape, echoing earlier statements from his mother who had called for the trial to be held in public to shed light on abuse.

Under French law, she could have kept her anonymity and ensured that the trial was held behind closed doors. The affair sparked protests across France in support of Gisèle Pélicot.

Gisèle Pelicot leaves the courthouse after a hearing in the trial of her former partner Dominique Pelicot accused of drugging her for nearly ten years and inviting strangers to rape her at their home in Mazan, a small town in south of France, in Avignon, November 18, 2024. — Reuters pic

David’s 38-year-old brother Florian told the court of the chaos that followed news four years ago of their mother’s ordeal at the hands of their father.

He said his father died for him. “It’s been four years since I lost my father,” he told the court, at times crying. “Our family was torn apart. »

He asked the court to impose harsh sentences, “so that victims are no longer afraid to speak out”.

Their sister, Caroline Darian, who gave evidence earlier in the trial, again told the court yesterday that she believed she had also been abused by her father.

“The only difference between my mother and me is that there is evidence (of her mother’s abuse),” she said.

Co-defendants leave the courthouse after a hearing in the trial of Dominique Pelicot accused of drugging his wife for nearly ten years and inviting strangers to rape her at their home in Mazan, a small town in the south of France, in Avignon, on November 18, 2024. – pic Reuters

These statements follow weeks of testimony from the accused men, now aged 26 to 74, most of whom deny having raped Gisèle Pélicot.

Gisèle Pelicot must testify again today, followed by Dominique Pelicot.

The court’s verdict on all charges, as well as sentencing, is expected around December 20. -Reuters

*If you are a victim of sexual violence, the following helplines offer free and confidential support: Talian Kasih on 15999 or WhatsApp 019-2615999 (24/7); All Women’s Action Society at 016-2374221/016-2284221 (9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.); and Women’s Aid Organization (WAO) at 03-30008858 or SMS/WhatsApp TINA 018-9888058 (24/7)