The trial of former surgeon Joël Le Scouarnec has drawn significant attention as it opened on February 24, 2025, at the criminal court of Morbihan, France. Accused of heinous sexual assaults including rape against 299 patients, most of whom were minors at the time of the incidents, the case marks one of the largest pedocriminality cases ever tried in France. Le Scouarnec, now 74, acknowledged his actions during the trial, stating, "If I am standing before you, it is because I have committed heinous acts, for which I must take responsibility." His admission was made during his preliminary remarks to the court, where he expressed his awareness of the lifelong consequences his actions could have on his victims.
The gravity of the accusations against Le Scouarnec spans over 25 years, from 1989 to 2014, during which episodes of assault occurred at numerous hospitals across western France. Many of the victims were under anesthesia at the time of their assaults, leaving them with few memories of the crimes committed. Evidence against him includes detailed journal entries recovered from his home during police searches conducted after allegations surfaced when one child reported him for abuse.
Accompanied by his legal representatives, Le Scouarnec indicated he recognizes “a great majority” of the accusations laid against him. He reportedly faces up to 20 years of imprisonment if convicted. Legal representatives of the victims have expressed deep concern over the systemic failures of medical institutions to protect patients, with various feminist and labor groups demonstrating outside the courthouse, demanding justice and accountability.
According to reports, cases of abuse were first uncovered when one child, aged only six at the time, revealed the trauma to her parents. This incident led to authorities investigating Le Scouarnec, which eventually uncovered journals filled with notes about his patients, including detailed descriptions of the assaults, dates, and the names of his victims.
During the trial's opening day, several of Le Scouarnec's victims gathered near the court, watching the proceedings via screen from another room due to limited courtroom space. Many were visibly distressed, illustrating the deep emotional impact the trial has had on this community.
One attorney representing the victims highlighted the difficulties faced by those voicing their experiences during the trial, requesting partial anonymity for some witnesses to protect their dignity as they recount their traumatic experiences. The testimonies are expected to begin chronologically from March 5 through mid-May, detailing the range of sexual assaults attributed to Le Scouarnec over the years.
Stéphane Kellenberger, the public prosecutor, stated during his opening remarks, “This trial is primarily aimed at the victims.” He emphasized the importance of recognizing each individual behind the collective term of 'victims,' asserting the need for justice and healing for those who have suffered. Kellenberger acknowledged the limited maximum sentence of 20 years may seem inadequate for such overwhelming suffering, yet he expressed hope the trial could serve as a pivotal moment for the victims.
The former surgeon has previously been convicted of similar charges, including sexual assaults on four children, two of whom were his nieces, for which he was sentenced to 15 years of imprisonment back in 2020. Le Scouarnec's current trial highlights not only his prior convictions but also the broader systemic failures throughout the healthcare system where such abuse was permitted to occur over decades.
This case now poses significant questions about accountability within the healthcare system and the protection of vulnerable populations, particularly children. Advocates for victims hope this trial reveals the truths hidden for too long and serves as both justice for the victims and a wake-up call for institutions to implement stronger protective measures.
Looking forward, the court proceedings are set against the somber backdrop of the serious nature of the allegations, as well as the heavy burden shouldered by the victims. The outcome of this landmark trial could potentially reshape not only Le Scouarnec's fate but also the future of safeguarding practices within medical institutions across France.