French mass rape trial prosecutors demand maximum sentence for Gisèle Pelicot’s ex-husband

Associated Press

AVIGNON, France (AP) — A high-profile rape trial in France is moving into a new phase with prosecutors setting out the verdicts and punishments they want for 51 men men accused of raping Gisèle Pelicot, 71, while she was drugged and rendered unconscious by her husband of nearly 50 years. Dominique Pelicot has admitted mixing sedatives into his wife’s food and drink so he and dozens of strangers could rape her. Prosecutor Laure Chabaud is seeking the maximum possible penalty for aggravated rape — 20 years — for the victim’s now ex-husband. Prime Minister Michel Barnier said the ongoing trial “affects us all.”