In France, former surgeon Joël Le Scouarnec was sentenced to 20 years in prison for sexually abusing 299 children over 25 years. This is considered the largest case of child sexual abuse in France's history according to this report.
Le Scouarnec committed the abuse mainly against patients under the age of 15, from 1989 to 2014. In many cases, the victims were under anesthesia or regaining consciousness after surgery. His victims include his own granddaughter.
In 2017, after a 6-year-old girl next door reported being abused by him, police arrested Le Scouarnec. Investigators found diaries detailing abuses against children, over 300,000 pornographic images, and child-sized sex dolls at his home.
Le Scouarnec had previously been sentenced in 2020 to 15 years in prison for abusing four children. The new sentence was added as an additional punishment. According to French law, he must serve at least two-thirds of his sentence and can be released between 2030 and 2033.
This case highlighted the negligence and irresponsibility of medical institutions and judicial bodies in France. Despite receiving a suspended sentence in 2005 for child pornography, Le Scouarnec continued to work in hospitals. The public and victims are also accusing his ex-wife Marie-France Le Scouarnec of covering up his crimes.
Victims and human rights activists believe the 20-year sentence is insufficient and are demanding harsher punishments for sexual abuse in France. This case underscores the need for systemic reforms in combating child sexual abuse in the country.
Abdulloh Sayyid
