A historic sexual abuse trial begins Monday in Vannes, France, as former surgeon Joël Le Scouarnec faces charges of raping or assaulting 299 victims – primarily children – over three decades. The case, described by investigators as one of France’s most extensive abuse scandals, follows his 2020 conviction for assaulting four minors and exposes systemic failures in child protection protocols.
Le Scouarnec, 74, admitted to abusing patients as early as 1985 but claims fragmented memories of specific acts. Evidence includes 300,000 photos, 650 explicit videos, and handwritten journals detailing assaults on unconscious victims.
I wasn’t crazy, but now I had to face the truth,survivor Amélie Lévêque told France 3, describing her trauma after discovering her name in his records.
Key case details:
- Victims averaged 11 years old during assaults (1989–2014)
- 158 male and 141 female survivors identified
- 15-year prison sentence already being served for prior convictions
Advocacy groups rally outside the courthouse demanding legal reforms, particularly after Le Scouarnec resumed medical practice post-2005 child pornography conviction. The trial coincides with France’s reckoning over high-profile abuse cases like Gisèle Pélicot’s gang rape ordeal.
Prosecutors emphasize the surgeon exploited anesthesia and post-operative vulnerability to target children. Legal experts note statute limitations prevented prosecution for 1980s crimes, prompting calls for legislative action. Le Scouarnec’s lawyer claims he will answer questionsduring the four-month proceedings.
