Surgeon on trial on France’s largest child sexual abuse case
A surgeon will go on trial in France’s largest-ever child sexual abuse case, with accusations of the rape and sexual assault of hundreds of patients.
Joel Le Scouarnec will go on trial on Monday 24th for 299 child abuse charges, reported by the RFI on February 24th, after abusing young patients and children in various hospitals over decades.
In 2017, police uncovered a “cache of sex dolls, wigs, and child pornography” at Le Scouarnec’s home following his arrest for raping his six-year old neighbour. Investigators also found electronic diaries in his home which meticulously recounted the rape and sexual assaults of hundreds of young patients.
Police authorities had to track down the patient that had been abused through cross-referencing the date of the diary entry with where Le Scouarnec worked and his work schedule for that day.
This investigation led to Le Scouarnec’s conviction in 2020 for the rape and sexual assault of four minors, including his nieces, but prosecutors have now charged him with the aggravated rape and sexual assault of 299 people, many of whom were allegedly abused while under anaesthesia.
The case, according to the RFI, points to the systemic failures of the French healthcare system and its inability to protect vulnerable groups, in this case children. It came to light that Le Scouarnec received a suspended four-month sentence for child pornography in 2005 but within a year had secured a job at a public hospital.
Additionally, a psychiatrist had raised concerns about his behaviour in 2006, but he continued practicing in public hospitals and working with children until his arrest in 2017.
The question of institutional failures in this case also echoes the recent Pellicot trial which saw the conviction of Dominque Pellicot after he was found guilty of drugging his wife and facilitating her rape by dozens of men. Giselle Pellicot waived her right to anonomity in the case in favour of making “shame swap sides” from the victim to the rapist, reported by the BBC.
Dominique stood accused alongside 50 other men. 46 were found guilty of rape, two guilty of attempted rape, and two guilty of sexual assault.
Campaigners say the Pellicot case proved the need for consent to be built into France’s rape laws, as in other European countries and this case will likely bring further pressure on a reforming of the law.
RFI, BBC
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