Gisèle Pelicot to attend appeals court as man convicted of raping her contests verdict
Guardian2 days
France Mass Rape Trial: Pelicot Attends Court as Convicted Rapist Dogan Appeals
Above: Gisele Pelicot leaves court in Nimes, France, on Oct. 7, 2025. Image copyright: CHRISTOPHE SIMON/AFP/Getty Images
The Spin
Establishment-critical narrative
The Pelicot appeal exposes a grim reality in France: even ordinary men — fathers, husbands and professionals — commit horrific sexual violence and justify it with pathetic excuses, reflecting how deeply rape culture permeates society. Despite Pelicot’s global courage and the MeToo surge, victims still face systemic neglect, flat conviction rates and weak institutional responses. Her bravery highlights the gap between public outrage and real change, showing that symbolic trials alone cannot end impunity.
Pro-establishment narrative
The Pelicot trial shows that France’s institutions are capable of responding decisively to sexual violence. The case catalyzed historic legal reforms, prompting Parliament to incorporate consent explicitly into the definition of rape, closing long-standing gaps in coercion-based law. Pelicot’s courage spurred public debate and mobilized lawmakers, demonstrating that high-profile prosecutions can drive systemic change, protect victims and shift society toward a culture of accountability.