Man who drugged wife in mass rape case should serve 20 years, say prosecutors

French prosecutors have sought a 20-year prison term for Dominique Pelicot, accusing him of facilitating the mass rape of his wife Gisele Pelicot by dozens of men, drugging her unconscious, and sharing pictures and videos of her sexual assault.

- NAMITA SINGH

The case, which has drawn significant public attention, is nearing its conclusion after nearly three months of hearings in Avignon. Mr Pelicot, 72, has admitted to secretly mixing sedatives into his wife’s food and drink over several years, leaving her unconscious so he could rape her and invite others to do the same.

Many of the 51 other men on trial have claimed they were unaware they were raping Ms Pelicot, denied intending to harm her, or shifted all responsibility onto her then husband, accusing him of manipulation.