Picture courtesy of GUILLAUME HORCAJUELO/EPA/Shutterstock

 

In a shocking turn, a French court has increased Husamettin Dogan’s jail term by one year, bringing it to ten years for his role in the prolonged drugging and rape of Gisèle Pelicot. This increase follows Dogan’s unsuccessful appeal in Nîmes, where the court rejected his claims of innocence despite disturbing evidence. The 44-year-old was among the 51 men initially convicted, but his persistent denial set him apart.

 

Dominique Pelicot, who was Gisèle’s husband at the time, drugged her for over a decade and invited men he found online to participate. Graphic video evidence was pivotal in the trials, showing Gisèle unconscious and unresponsive. The public prosecutor argued that Dogan had been unwilling to accept responsibility for his part in degrading her humanity. While 17 other men withdrew their appeals, Dogan was the only one to push ahead.

 

The appeal proceedings effectively served as a retrial, differing from the original December trial by involving a jury alongside professional judges. Dogan's defence relied on not realising Gisèle had been drugged and claiming intent wasn't present. However, in court, explicit evidence contradicted his claims by demonstrating his actions during the recorded assaults.

 

GIsabelle Pelicot bravely confronted Dogan in court, reiterating that she never consented and was unaware of the crimes due to the effects of drugs administered by her husband. She refuted Dogan’s claims of victimhood, urging him to acknowledge his crime. Her statements highlighted the lasting impacts and personal devastation the trial brought upon her family.

 

As the legal chapter progresses, the focus remains on justice for Gisèle and future trials. Her story, having drawn global attention, underscores the broader issues faced by many victims. Despite the outcome, Gisèle hopes for healing within her fractured family and encourages other victims to stand firm against such atrocities.

 

Key Takeaways:

 

• Husamettin Dogan’s sentence increased to 10 years amid appeal.
• Overwhelming evidence drives home the extent of Gisèle Pelicot’s ordeal.
• The case highlights the struggles faced by victims long after such crimes.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2025-10-10

 

 

Should have added 10 more years.

1 hour ago, Purdey said:

Should have added 10 more years.

Absolutely.  Glad his sentence wasn't chopped; something else should have been chopped though.