French Appeals Court Reexamines Controversial Gisèle Pelicot Rape Case Amid Broader Questions of Justice

In a case that sent shockwaves through France and resonated globally, the appeals court in Nimes has reopened proceedings involving a man convicted of aggravated rape in connection with the notorious Gisèle Pelicot case. This retrial comes less than a year after a landmark verdict that not only convicted dozens but forced France to confront deep-seated issues related to sexual violence and justice. The defendant, Husamettin Dogan, sentenced to nine years behind bars last December, now challenges his conviction by denying intent to commit rape. Instead, he claims deception by Dominique Pelicot — the victim’s ex-husband — who allegedly drugged...