Dominique Pelicot, a 72-year-old Frenchman, has been convicted of aggravated rape

Dominique Pelicot, a 72-year-old Frenchman, has been convicted of aggravated rape

for orchestrating the mass rape of his ex-wife, Gisele Pelicot, with dozens of strangers he recruited online. This shocking case has sparked widespread outrage and admiration for Gisele's bravery in speaking out against her aggressors. The court in Avignon found Pelicot guilty, and he faces up to 20 years in prison, with sentencing to be announced later.

Gisele Pelicot, also 72, has become a feminist hero for her courage in waiving her right to a closed trial and facing her abusers in court. Her story has captivated the world, with many praising her determination to bring attention to the issue of rape and sexual abuse. As Ghislaine Sainte Catherine, a member of the Amazons of Avignon feminist collective, said, "Rape affects women all over the world; that's why the whole world has its eyes on what's going to happen."

The trial has also brought attention to the other defendants, 50 men aged 27 to 74, who were accused of raping Gisele Pelicot while she was drugged and unconscious. One of the defendants, who did not abuse Gisele but raped his wife with Pelicot's help, is also on trial. The prosecution has requested sentences ranging from 10 to 18 years in prison for the 49 defendants charged with aggravated rape.

Gisele's children, David, Caroline, and Florian, have also shown their support for their mother, arriving at the courthouse with sports bags, ready to face the outcome of the trial. The case has dominated the front pages of major French papers, with headlines like "A verdict for the future" and "Merci madame" .