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Snapshot 1:Tue, Sep 17, 2024 6:43:49 PM GMT last edited by Brian

France Mass Rape Trial: Dominique Pelicot Says He's a 'Rapist,' Wants Forgiveness

Above: Gisele Pelicot (L), flanked by her lawyer Stephane Babonneau (R), walks next to her daughter Caroline Darian (C) at the Avignon courthouse as she attends the trial of her former partner Dominique Pelicot. Image copyright: Christophe Simon/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images

The Facts

  • Dominique Pélicot, 71, the French man charged with drugging his wife and allowing dozens of men to rape her over a ten-year period, said Tuesday, "I am a rapist." He also said he "regret[s]" his actions and asked his wife, daughter, and grandchildren for forgiveness.

  • Referring to the other men on trial for raping his wife Gisèle, who was unaware the entire time as she was sedated, Pélicot said "they all knew" what they were doing. The 50 codefendants, incuding a nurse, a fireman, and a journalist, are aged 26-74.

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