A 74-year-old retired French surgeon, Joel Le Scouarnec, has admitted to committing “despicable” acts of child rape and sexual assault in a trial that is considered France’s worst case of pedocriminality. Le Scouarnec faces charges of aggravated rape and sexual assault against 299 victims, mostly children at the time, and could face up to 20 years in jail if found guilty.
Le Scouarnec told the court that he had committed “despicable” acts and expressed remorse for the harm caused to his victims. He also acknowledged that some members of staff at the health ministry were aware of his past conviction but failed to take action to prevent him from continuing to work with children.
The trial has raised uncomfortable questions for France’s healthcare system, victims, and rights groups. Local authorities have launched a separate probe into possible criminal liability of other public bodies or individuals who could have prevented the abuse.
Le Scouarnec has previously been convicted of sex crimes on two previous occasions and had his license to practice medicine suspended. The case has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation from the medical community, with some calling for greater accountability and measures to prevent similar abuses in the future.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/retired-surgeon-goes-trial-frances-biggest-child-sex-abuse-case-2025-02-24