Former Surgeon Faces Trial for Sexual Abuse of Nearly 300 Victims in France

Joël Le Scouarnec, accused of decades of abuse, confronts harrowing testimonies in a trial that could reshape trust in medical institutions.

Joël Le Scouarnec, a 74-year-old former surgeon, is on trial in France for sexually abusing nearly 300 patients, most of them minors, over several decades.
The investigation began in 2017 after a young girl reported an incident involving Le Scouarnec, leading to the discovery of detailed journals documenting his crimes.
Victims have shared deeply traumatic accounts, with many describing long-term psychological and emotional scars, including struggles with trust, mental health, and relationships.
The case has raised questions about potential complicity or negligence within the hospitals where the crimes occurred, as many victims were under anesthesia during the assaults.
Advocates and victims hope the trial will prompt legal reforms and greater accountability in safeguarding patients within medical settings.