Joel Le Scouarnec: Surgeon accused of sexually abusing hundreds of young patients in France’s largest paedophilia case
IndependentFEB 1
French Surgeon Faces Trial for Alleged Abuse of 299 Children
Above: Files are displayed in the courtroom during the opening day of French surgeon Joel Le Scouarnec's trial at the courthouse in Saintes, western France, on March 13, 2020. Image copyright: Georges Gobet/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Facts
Joel Le Scouarnec, a 73-year-old former surgeon, is set to face trial in Vannes beginning Feb. 24, in what is being called France's largest ever child abuse case. Le Scouarnec faces charges over the alleged assault or rape of 299 children between 1989 and 2014.
According to reports, police have found detailed diaries with chronological records of the alleged assaults, over 300K images, and also child-sized dolls in Le Scouarnec's home.
The prosecutors have alleged that the surgeon carried out many assaults while patients were under anesthesia or in post-surgery recovery, using his medical position to disguise the abuse as professional examinations
The Spin
Narrative A
The systemic failure of French institutions enabled a dangerous predator to continue practicing medicine despite clear warning signs, with hospitals and medical authorities repeatedly ignoring red flags and failing to protect vulnerable patients.
Narrative B
The charges against Le Scouarnec are deeply disturbing. Given the extraordinary sensitivity of all allegations against him, it's important to allow due process to continue in his remaining trials so that all vital details can be clarified in a court of law.