Former French Surgeon Sentenced to 20 Years for Raping 299 Children

Joël Le Scouarnec, a 74-year-old retired French surgeon, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison after being convicted of sexually abusing 299 children between 1989 and 2014. The majority of his victims were under the age of 15. Le Scouarnec's crimes occurred in various medical facilities across western France, often while his victims were under anaesthesia or recovering from surgery.

The case came to light in 2017 when a neighbour reported that Le Scouarnec had inappropriately touched their six-year-old daughter. A subsequent search of his home uncovered over 300,000 images and 650 videos depicting child abuse, as well as notebooks in which he detailed his crimes and referred to himself as a pedophile .

Despite a 2005 conviction for possessing child pornography, Le Scouarnec was allowed to continue practising medicine. In 2020, he was sentenced to 15 years in prison for the rape and sexual assault of four children, including two nieces. The recent trial revealed that medical authorities had failed to act on earlier warnings about his behaviour.

The case has sparked national outrage and raised serious concerns about systemic failures within France's medical and judicial systems. Victims' families and advocacy groups have criticised the lack of action taken despite multiple warnings over the years. The trial has also prompted calls for reforms to prevent such abuses in the future .

Le Scouarnec's sentencing marks a significant moment in France's efforts to address and prevent child sexual abuse within medical institutions. The case is a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and accountability in protecting vulnerable individuals from exploitation.

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