French Surgeon Faces Trial Over Allegations of Sexual Assault Against Nearly 300 Victims

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Joel Le Scouarnec, a 74-year-old former surgeon, is set to go on trial on February 24, 2025, for the rape and sexual assault of 299 former patients, primarily children. Prosecutors state that 256 of these alleged victims were minors at the time of the abuse, which is reported to have occurred between 1989 and 2014 across various medical institutions in western France.

The extensive accusations suggest that Le Scouarnec abused his medical position to target vulnerable individuals, with some victims allegedly assaulted while unconscious. Regional prosecutor Stephane Kellenberger noted that Le Scouarnec has acknowledged parts of the accusations and his use of concealment strategies. If convicted, he could face a maximum sentence of 20 years; however, French law restricts consecutive sentencing for multiple offenses.

Le Scouarnec is already serving a 15-year sentence for previous convictions related to child sexual abuse and possesses a controversial history with authorities, having returned to practice medicine after a prior conviction for downloading child sexual abuse images. The trial is expected to draw significant attention, particularly in light of public concerns about institutional failures in protecting vulnerable patients.

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Former Surgeon Admits to Sexual Abuse of 299 Patients in France

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