Abdelrahman
Title: Notorious French Surgeon Admits to Abusing Hundreds of Patients in Landmark Trial
By: Laura Gozzi, BBC News, Vannes Courtroom
A former surgeon from France, Joel Le Scouarnec, has made shocking admissions in court regarding the alleged abuse of nearly 300 patients, predominantly minors. During the proceedings in Vannes, he expressed remorse, stating that he recognizes the "despicable acts" he committed and understands the profound pain inflicted on his victims.
The allegations against Le Scouarnec include the assault and rape of 299 individuals between 1989 and 2014, with the majority being children under the age of 15, primarily in the Brittany region. He openly acknowledged the lasting scars that his actions have left, saying, "I am perfectly aware that these wounds are indelible, beyond repair."
At 74 years old, the bespectacled defendant appeared before the court, marking the first day of what is being called the largest child abuse trial in French history. "I can’t go back, but I owe it to the victims and their families to own up to my actions and the ongoing consequences," he added.
The day consisted primarily of procedural matters, yet Le Scouarnec maintained focus, showing no visible reaction as two men in their 30s identified themselves as victims in front of the court. Among those allegedly harmed, one was just a year old, while another was 70.
Law enforcement was able to corroborate the claims with detailed diaries supposedly kept by Le Scouarnec, where he documented the assaults over a span of 25 years. Since 2017, he has been incarcerated for previous convictions related to the abuse of four children.
Numerous victims reportedly faced abuse while under anesthesia or recovering from surgery in hospitals across northern France, leaving them with little to no recollection of the incidents. Many were shocked to learn from police that their names appeared in Le Scouarnec’s meticulous records.
Public prosecutor Stéphane Kellenberger emphasized the unusual nature of the case, noting that investigators, rather than victims, initiated contact. "Silence had reigned for too long," he stated.
Victims, including those who do recall their experiences, have voiced the long-term psychological impact of the abuse, asserting it has haunted them throughout their lives. One grandmother, Mauricette Vinet, poignantly highlighted the tragic effects: she believes her grandson, who took his own life years ago, was a casualty of Le Scouarnec’s alleged actions, claiming, "If it weren’t for him, Mathis would still be with us."
Le Scouarnec’s defense attorney, Maxime Tissier, informed the court that his client admits to the "vast majority" of charges and plans to provide an explanation regarding the allegations. Tissier stated, "Despite his age, he is fully available to the court."
The defendant further clarified his stance in previous police interviews, stating he made an effort to distinguish between the acts he considered as rape and those he didn’t.
Outside the courtroom, a large group of lawyers and hundreds of alleged victims waited in an overflow room due to the sheer volume of participants. Various psychologists and therapy dogs were present to offer emotional comfort during the trial.
Presiding judge Aude Buresi delivered a harrowing summary of the accusations and shared excerpts from Le Scouarnec’s 2020 interrogations, where he initially dismissed the diaries as imaginary narratives. However, Buresi noted the diaries’ specific details suggested they were factual.
Demonstrations were held outside the courthouse, with protesters decrying a "code of silence" surrounding these abuses. Advocates for victims criticized systemic failures that allowed Le Scouarnec to maintain his position within the medical field.
In 2005, the FBI alerted French authorities about Le Scouarnec’s online activities related to child abuse, but he received only a suspended sentence. Subsequent concerns raised by a colleague about inappropriate comments he made regarding a young patient did not lead to appropriate disciplinary action.
On Monday’s session, the regional medical association decided to charge Le Scouarnec for "bringing the medical profession into disrepute." However, this prompted condemnation from child protection advocates, who accused the association of enabling his actions through their inaction.
As the trial progresses, it will unfold over several months, with certain sessions designated to be heard privately at the request of plaintiffs. Expecting to hear testimonies from Le Scouarnec’s ex-wife and relatives, the community is poised for a challenging examination of a deeply troubling case.
One observer noted the unsettling reality of seeking an understanding of "this doctor, this Mr. Everyman," wanting to grasp the complexities of human behavior in light of these grave accusations.
