French Prosecutors Seek 20-Year Sentence for Husband Who Drugged and Sexually Assaulted Wife

Prosecution: "Considering the gravity, even a 20-year sentence is insufficient"

The prosecution has demanded a 20-year prison sentence for a French man who secretly drugged his wife and invited dozens of unknown men to their home to sexually assault her.

On the 25th (local time), according to local media such as BFM TV, the French prosecution requested the Avignon court on the first day of the sentencing trial to sentence the key defendant, Dominique Pellico (72), to 20 years in prison, stating, "The maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for this case is a very severe punishment, but considering the repetitiveness and seriousness of this case, it is not sufficient."

The prosecution said, "This trial has shaken our society's perspective on relationships with others, the most intimate human relationships," adding, "We must understand our desires, emotions, and wishes while simultaneously respecting those of others." They continued, "The core of this trial is not about guilty or not guilty," emphasizing, "What is important is fundamentally changing the relationship between men and women."

On the 25th (local time), Giselle Pelico (center) and her lawyers arrived at the Avignon court to attend the trial. Photo by AFP Yonhap News

Pellico was charged with secretly putting sedatives into the drink of his wife, Giselle Pellico (72), causing her to lose consciousness from July 2011 to October 2020, and then inviting anonymous men recruited through internet chats to their home to sexually assault his wife.

Fifty men who responded to Pellico's proposal and sexually assaulted Giselle have also been charged and have been on trial since September.

Because the victim, Giselle, requested a public trial, the entire process has been open to the media and the general public.

From the start of the trial, Pellico admitted his charges, saying, "What I did is guilty. I ruined everything and lost everything. I must pay the price." Some defendants also admitted to the crimes, but about 30 others claimed they had no intention to sexually assault Giselle and placed all responsibility on Pellico.

The prosecution's final arguments will continue until the 27th. Afterwards, the defendants' final arguments will follow, and after the court's deliberation, the verdict is expected to be announced around the 20th of next month.

Women's organizations are demanding that all defendants be sentenced to 20 years in prison regardless of the number of sexual assaults. Giselle's two sons have also requested the court to impose a severe punishment on their father in court.