The man who appealed his conviction for raping French woman Gisele Pelicot has had his jail term increased from nine to 10 years.
Husamettin Dogan, 44, was the only one to have maintained his appeal after 51 men were convicted last year in the case of mass sexual abuse.
On Thursday, a French appeals court increased Dogan’s prison sentence by one year along with “mandatory treatment for five years”, the presiding judge Christian Pasta said.
Dogan had argued he never intended to rape Gisele, claiming he was “trapped” as a victim of her ex-husband Dominique Pelicot into thinking the ordeal was part of a couple’s sexual game.
Last year, Gisele became a feminist hero after waiving her anonymity to allow the public into the courtroom and raise awareness about sexual violence during the months-long trial.
Her ex-husband, Dominique, 72, has admitted to sedating Gisele with drugs and allowing dozens of strangers to rape and abuse her for over nearly a decade.
The case shocked the world and saw 51 men, including Dogan, convicted of raping her.
On Wednesday, Gisele told the French court that Dogan had raped her and had to “take responsibility” for his actions.
“You are in no way a victim of Mr Pelicot,” Gisele said, in her return to the courtroom to face Dogan. “Take responsibility for your actions. I am ashamed of you.”
“I am the only victim… At what moment did I give you my consent? Never.”
At the original trial, Dogan was sentenced to nine years in prison, and one of Gisele’s lawyers, Antoine Camus told the court that his sentence should be revised.
“You don’t touch a sleeping victim,” said Camus. “We hope that this jury will say loud and clear that in France, human rights are also women’s rights, that you cannot get consent from a husband, and that a sexual act imposed on a sleeping body is rape.”
At the original trial, Dogan was sentenced to nine years in prison, with his sentence now increased to 10.
Ahead of this verdict, public prosecutor Dominique Sie had requested Dogan spend 12 years in prison, saying: “As long as you refuse to admit it, it’s not just a woman, it’s an entire sordid social system that you are endorsing.”
“There needs to be an evolution for you, and for society, from rape culture to a culture of consent.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au for online chat and video call services.
If you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence, you can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit http://www.ntv.org.au.