Verdict in the Mazan rape trial: prison sentence, fine… it's D-day, we take stock of what the 51 accused risk

The verdict in the Mazan rape trial will be delivered on December 19, 2024 at the Avignon court. The 51 accused will discover their sentences and most of them risk from prison.

The time for the verdict is approaching. This Thursday starting at 9:30 a.m., the 51 accused in the Mazan rape case will find out their sentences. We will know if the judges followed the requisitions, which for the most part requested a prison sentence. Or if the sentences were harsher or lighter.

Moreover, several defense lawyers have argued for acquittal, it remains to be seen whether they will obtain it. We take stock of what these men risk.

Rape: a maximum sentence required for “the conductor”

For rape with aggravating circumstances in France, one risks up to 20 years in prison. This is also the sentence requested against Dominique Pelicot, accused of having organized dozens of these serious sexual assaults.

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Other defendants also risk long years in prison, for having visited the house of horrors several times in particular. This is the case of Roman V. This sixty-year-old, who is also HIV-positive, is said to have visited the Pelicots' house six times. 18 years of imprisonment have been requested for him.

From 4 to 17 years in prison requested for 49 defendants

Concerning the others, the prosecutor requested 10 years in prison for eleven defendants, 11 years for two, 12 years for thirteen, 13 years for six, 14 years for six, 15 years for three, 16 years for four and 17 years for three. These are all being tried for rape.

Finally, the lightest sentence requested is that of Joseph C. He is not being prosecuted for rape, but for sexual assault. The attorney general requested four years of imprisonment. The Criminal Code provides for a maximum of five to seven years in prison, with a fine of up to 100,000 euros.

The requisitions differ from the sentence

During a trial, the sentence requested – or demanded – by the public prosecutor is not necessarily the one that will be retained. Similarly, the sentence set out in the Criminal Code does not always apply. The law sets a framework for the maximum, but it is possible to receive lower penalties.

For Friday's verdict, it is the court that will decide. The deliberations have been underway since Monday afternoon. Depending on everything that has been studied during these weeks of trial, the president will announce sentences adapted to each case.