Frenchwoman Gisele Pelico, who has become a symbol of resistance to sexualised violence, has been awarded France’s highest honour, the Legion of Honour. This is stated in a special decree published on the occasion of the Day of the Taking of the Bastille, which is celebrated on 14 July.
Gisele Pelico became world famous after she waived her right to anonymity during the trial of her ex-husband Dominique Pelico. He had drugged Gisele with tranquillisers over the years and brought dozens of strangers to rape her.
In December 2024, a French court sentenced Dominique Pelico to a maximum of 20 years in prison. Giselle participated in almost all of the court sessions.