PARIS (Reuters) – A French court found Dominique Bellicot guilty on Thursday of repeatedly drugging and raping his wife over a period of nearly a decade and inviting dozens of strangers to rape her unconscious body.
All 50 of the Frenchman's defendants were also convicted of rape, attempted rape or sexual assault.
Here are some reactions to the trial that shocked the world.
German Chancellor Olaf Schulz
“Shame must change. Thank you, Giselle Bellicot! You have bravely gone from anonymity to a public figure and fought for justice. You have given women all over the world a powerful voice. Shame always lies with the perpetrator.”
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez
“What dignity. Thank you, Gisèle Bellicot.”
Yael Brown-Bivet, President of the French National Assembly
“Thank you for your courage, Giselle Bellico… The world is no longer the same thanks to you.”
French far-right leader Jordan Bardella
“By confronting the accused and refusing to allow the case to be heard behind closed doors, Gisèle Bellicault demonstrated a courage and dignity that moved France. I hope this trial will once again lead to people's freedom of expression, for the benefit of all victims.”
