French Surgeon Admits Guilt in Historic Child Abuse Trial Involving 299 Victims

Joel Le Scouarnec's admission marks a pivotal moment in France's largest child sex abuse case, spanning decades of systemic failures in medical oversight.

Joel Le Scouarnec, a former surgeon, admitted guilt for sexually abusing 299 patients, most under the age of 15, during his ongoing trial in Vannes, France.
The abuse, which occurred between 1989 and 2014, took place in a dozen hospitals, often while patients were under anaesthesia or recovering from surgery.
Investigators uncovered meticulously kept notebooks detailing the abuse, which were instrumental in identifying victims and substantiating charges.
Le Scouarnec's admission follows years of denial and partial admissions, with his change in stance attributed to the testimonies of victims during the trial.
The case has drawn attention to systemic institutional negligence, as Le Scouarnec continued practicing until 2017 despite a 2005 conviction for possessing child abuse images.