“I think of the unrecognized victims” of sexual violence, reacts Gisèle Pelicot after the verdict

His speech was eagerly awaited after the announcement of the verdict in the Mazan rape trial on Thursday, December 19. “This trial was a very difficult ordeal”said Gisèle Pelicot from the Avignon court. “I think of my children (…) and my grandchildren (…) it is for them that I led this fight”, she added, before thanking her lawyers, the journalists and the public who came to support her during her long weeks, ensuring that she, partly thanks to him, found “the strength to come back every day to face these long days in court”.

Asked about the court’s decision, Gisèle Pelicot said “respect her”. She also said she thinks “to unrecognized victims” of sexual violence, while ensuring that they have “trust in our ability to collectively seize a future in which everyone – women and men – can live in harmony with mutual respect and understanding. “I respect the court and the decision of the verdict”she added, very moved, in front of a swarm of journalists.