VANNES, France — The trial of former surgeon Joël Le Scouarnec, who faces accusations of sexually abusing 299 patients, most of whom were children, began on February 24, 2025, marking the largest child abuse trial in France’s history. Le Scouarnec, 74, stands accused of heinous crimes committed over three decades, with his alleged abuses occurring primarily when the victims were under anesthetic or recovering from surgery.
Le Scouarnec has admitted to committing "despicable acts," declaring, "I've done hideous things" during the proceedings. He acknowledged the deep and lasting harm he has caused, stating, "I’m aware these wounds cannot be erased or healed." This admission came as he began to address the court on the opening day of his trial at the Criminal Court of Morbihan, where more than 300 alleged victims are expected to testify, highlighting the staggering scale of the allegations.
The case brings to light not only the actions of Le Scouarnec but also systemic failures within the French medical system. Despite his 2005 conviction for possessing child pornography, he continued practicing medicine. The authorities—including the Order of Physicians—face scrutiny for ignoring early warnings about his behavior. A psychiatrist who worked alongside Le Scouarnec had previously voiced concerns, stating, "He described surgery using so many sexual metaphors... I asked him to resign, but he refused." This lack of action allowed Le Scouarnec to persist as a surgeon up until his retirement.
Throughout his lengthy career, Le Scouarnec was employed at numerous public and private hospitals, allegedly abusing his patients under false medical pretenses. The shocking details have emerged from his own diaries, which investigators uncovered, outlining and logging his abuse over the years. Some records included detailed notes about victims, which allowed police to identify many previously unaware of their victimization.
The psychological impact on Le Scouarnec's alleged victims is compelling. Public prosecutor Stéphane Kellenberger pointed out, "Everything in this terrible story is out of the ordinary... it wasn't the victims who approached investigators but the investigators who alerted the victims." This echoes the deep-rooted issues surrounding the stigma and silence surrounding child sexual abuse, which activists have sought to combat.
The trial, slated to last four months, is drawing significant public attention as it coincides with broader calls for societal change and accountability. Many advocates and activists have gathered outside the courthouse, seeking justice not just for the victims of Le Scouarnec but also highlighting systemic issues within the healthcare framework. Signs held by demonstrators read, "Stop the code of silence" and "They knew and did nothing," pointing to the perceived complicity of the medical community.
Lawyer Francesca Satta, representing several of the alleged victims, has expressed hope about the trial serving as a pivotal moment for pushing against the prevailing silence surrounding sexual abuse. "It’s because they’re part of this movement; silence is no longer an option," she stated, emphasizing the urgency for reform within systems meant to protect vulnerable individuals.
Le Scouarnec’s previous convictions provide chilling insight. After being convicted of child abuse and sexual assault of four children, he received a 15-year prison sentence starting from 2020. Despite these convictions and the damning evidence against him, he continued to interact with children, raising serious questions about the effectiveness of oversight institutions.
Victims who came forward during the trial have started to recount their traumatic experiences, some of whom were under anesthesia during the alleged assaults. The court proceedings have created emotional turmoil but also serve as a forum for catharsis. "If he hadn’t happened, Mathis would still be here," lamented Mauricette Vinet, grandmother of one of the victims who tragically took his own life following his ordeal.
Looking forward, the trial not only serves to seek justice for the alleged victims but also aims to spur significant changes within France’s medical and legal frameworks. Activists have called for reforms to the doctor-patient relationship principles and protection for medical professionals who report misconduct.
Le Scouarnec, who continues to express acceptance of his past actions, emphasized his readiness to face the repercussions of the trauma he has caused. The public and legal communities remain deeply engaged as the trial proceeds, with many watching to see if it will mark the beginning of meaningful change against the tide of silence surrounding child abuse.