Gisele Pellicote’s ex-husband was jailed for 20 years on Thursday for drugging and gang-raping her by strangers he recruited online, a case that shocked France and reverberated around the world.
After the trial closed, Gisele Pellicotte came forward to give a full statement to reporters, talking about the trial, the verdict, and her hopes for the future.
After more than three months of a hearing considered historic, here is Gisele Pellicot’s full statement.
“It is with great emotion that I speak to you today. This ordeal has been very difficult. And at this time, I am thinking first of all about my three children, David, Caroline and Florian.
I’m also thinking about my grandchildren because they are the future. I led this fight for them, as well as for my daughters-in-law, Aurore and Selene.
I am also thinking about all the other families affected by this tragedy. And finally, I’m thinking of the unknown victims, whose stories often live in the shadows. I want you to know that our battles are the same.
I would like to express my deep gratitude to everyone who has supported me through this ordeal. Your messages have touched me deeply and given me the strength to come back every day to face these long, daily hearings.
I would also like to thank the Association d’Aid aux Victimes (Victims Aid Association), whose unwavering support has been invaluable.
To all the journalists who have followed this case from the beginning, I want to express my gratitude for the credible, respectful and respectful way in which they have reported on these hearings on a daily basis.
Finally, to my lawyers, they know how much gratitude and high respect I have for them, who supported me through every step of this painful process.
When I opened the doors of this trial which started on September 2, I wanted the entire society to witness the debates taking place here. I never regretted that decision.
I am now confident in our ability to find a better future, where everyone – men and women alike – can live with respect and mutual understanding.”
After this a reporter asked Giselle Pellicote about the court’s decision.
“I respect the court and its decision,” she said.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
