Macron thanks Gisèle Pelicot for courage, advocacy during rape trial

French President Emmanuel Macron paid tribute to Gisèle Pelicot's fight on Friday, a day after the conclusion of a landmark mass rape trial in Avignon that found her ex-husband guilty of aggravated rape and sentenced him to 20 years in prison.

"Thank you Gisèle Pelicot," Macron wrote on the platform X. "In the name of justice, you faced the trial with your head held high."

The president added, "For women, who will always have a trailblazer to speak to and fight for. For all of us, because your dignity and your courage have moved and inspired France and the world."

Dominique Pelicot repeatedly drugged his then-wife, abused her and offered her to dozens of strangers to rape while heavily sedated, over almost 10 years.

A court in Avignon sentenced him and his 50 co-defendants on Thursday. The co-defendants received prison terms ranging from three to 15 years.

A handful of those convicted will be released because they have already served their time while in custody.

Investigators suspect there are a dozen other perpetrators who have not been identified.

Following the sentencing, Gisèle Pelicot expressed hopes that her ordeal and its outcome will change society.

Gisèle Pelicot believes she suffered around 200 rapes.

The trial, which had been ongoing since September, horrified France and the world and reignited the debate on criminal legislation on sexual violence.