Dr Joël Le Scouarnec, a former French surgeon, is at the centre of the largest paedophilia case in French history, accused of raping or sexually assaulting 299 individuals, predominantly children who were his patients.
The alleged abuses spanned over 25 years, from 1989 to 2014, and occurred mainly in Brittany, where Le Scouarnec worked in several hospitals.
What is the allegation?
Le Scouarnec allegedly committed these acts while his patients were under anaesthesia or alone in hospital rooms, disguising his actions as medical procedures.
In 2005, Le Scouarnec was convicted of possessing child sexual abuse materials.
He was handed a suspended sentence.
However, in 2020, he was sentenced to 15 years for raping and sexually assaulting four children.
Le Scouarnec’s latest trial began in February 2025 in Vannes, Brittany. It is expected to last four months. The lawsuit involves more than 200 civil parties.
The case has sparked widespread outrage and reflection on how Le Scouarnec could continue practising medicine despite earlier warnings and convictions.
