Defense in rape case focuses on Gisèle Pelicot in closing argument

paris - In the closing argument of a rape case in Vaucluse, the defense attorney focuses on the troubled past of the defendant, Dominique Pelicot, and his relationship with Gisèle Pelicot.

In a sober speech, defense attorney, Béatrice Zavarro, highlighted the difficult upbringing of Dominique Pelicot, emphasizing his toxic family environment and traumatic experiences, including abuse and witnessing rape at a young age. Zavarro also touched on Pelicot's meeting with Gisèle at 19, describing it as a turning point in his life. However, she acknowledged his darker tendencies in later years.

Zavarro addressed the court regarding Pelicot's alleged involvement in a large-scale sexual assault scheme, portraying him as a man seeking accomplices through an online platform. She described the various types of men involved and questioned the nature of consent in the case.

The arrest of Pelicot in 2020 marked the end of his abuse, with Zavarro commending his courage to face the legal proceedings. She emphasized his loneliness and the burden of truth he must bear, quoting his reflection on his legacy. Zavarro portrayed Pelicot as a complex individual with contrasting personas and concluded by appealing to his family to remember the loving side of him.