Rape Conviction Appeals in Gisèle Pelicot Case Spark Renewed Controversy**

As multiple appeals proceed in the troubling Gisèle Pelicot case, her courageous stance against sexual violence continues to inspire a global conversation and amplify the voices of victims.**

Dominique Pelicot, the 72-year-old man sentenced to 20 years in prison for drugging and raping his wife Gisèle, will not contest his conviction, as confirmed by his lawyer Béatrice Zavarro. Pelicot chose not to appeal to spare his wife further trauma after a grueling 15-week trial. "Ms Pelicot was never his adversary," Zavarro explained, emphasizing her client's desire to end the painful chapter.

Conversely, 17 out of 49 men convicted at Pelicot’s behest for their roles in the decade-long abuse have indicated intentions to appeal their convictions before the December 30 deadline. The men, including Charly Arbo and Simoné Mekenese, claim they were manipulated into believing they had consent from Gisèle, with many defense lawyers arguing their sentences were excessive.

The upcoming appeals trial will proceed under a different legal structure comprising three magistrates and a jury of nine civilians, heightening concerns that jurors may carry bias informed by the case's extensive media coverage. "These jurors are human and might have preconceptions about the case," cautioned Hansu Yalaz, a lawyer involved in the proceedings.

Despite the appeals, Gisèle Pelicot remains determined to face her accusers. “I’m not scared,” she insists, reiterating her commitment to support other victims. By publicly sharing her story, she aims to embolden those suffering in silence. Pelicot’s bravery in forgoing anonymity has sparked awareness about the stigma associated with sexual violence, amplifying the call for societal change.

The proceedings have drawn attention globally, revealing stark truths about the long-standing underreporting and societal victimization of sexual assault survivors. Gisèle’s assertion that "the shame should not fall on victims" has become a rallying cry, prompting deeper discussions about the treatment and rights of abuse victims, while shedding light on the gravity of sexual violence in society.

As the appeals unfold, the case continues to challenge perceptions of justice and accountability in sexual violence, reflecting a significant cultural shift in how these issues are discussed and perceived in France and beyond.