The verdict in France’s largest child sexual abuse case, involving former surgeon Joël Le Scouarnec, is expected on Wednesday after a landmark three-month trial. Le Scouarnec, 74, faces up to 20 years in prison for sexually assaulting 299 victims, predominantly children aged around 11, over three decades. Many of these assaults occurred while victims were anesthetized or recovering from surgery. During the trial in Vannes, Brittany, he confessed to committing “hideous acts” but denied some charges.
Le Scouarnec is already serving 15 years for raping a young neighbor and three other minors, with his current sentence potentially affecting future release eligibility. Concerns about his early release have led prosecutors to request that Le Scouarnec be held in a treatment center under supervision, even if released. Victims’ testimonies were bolstered by police investigations that revealed Le Scouarnec’s detailed digital diaries of abuse. While many victims do not recall the assaults, the case has sparked discussions on the failure of the French medical system that allowed him to operate across multiple hospitals despite previous warnings, including a 2005 conviction for possessing child abuse imagery.
Advocates for victims express hope that the case will compel a reevaluation of how child abuse allegations are pursued, especially against medical professionals. Francesca Satta, a lawyer for some victims, highlighted systemic failures that enabled Le Scouarnec’s long history of abuse. Throughout the trial, many victims viewed the proceedings via video links due to the overwhelming interest, showcasing the case’s significant impact on public awareness regarding child protection and accountability within the medical profession.
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