Former French Surgeon Admits to Sexual Assault Charges in Landmark Case

In one of France’s most significant sexual assault cases, a 74-year-old former surgeon, Lé Scouarnec, has admitted to some of the allegations against him. Accused of assaulting 299 patients, including children, between 1989 and 2014, he confessed in court to certain crimes while denying others.

During the hearing, Lé Scouarnec stated, “I previously lied, but today, I am ready to admit to some of the incidents I had attempted to conceal or deny.” However, he dismissed several accusations as “exaggerated” or “fantasy-based.”

Court Investigation and Evidence

The prosecution presented extensive evidence, including testimonies from victims and digital records recovered from the surgeon’s computers. The investigation revealed that he allegedly assaulted unconscious or sedated patients during medical examinations.

Lé Scouarnec had previously been convicted in 2005 for possessing child abuse images, yet he continued practicing until his retirement in 2017. The case resurfaced when a six-year-old child accused him of assault, leading authorities to uncover further evidence against him.

Conviction and Imprisonment

The former surgeon has been in prison since 2020 after being convicted of assaulting four children, including two of his nephews. His trial has sparked widespread debate in France about medical ethics, patient safety, and the legal system’s role in handling such crimes.