Former Surgeon Sentenced for Decades of Child Abuse

A French court has sentenced Joël Le Scouarnec, a 74-year-old former surgeon and confessed pedophile, to 20 years in prison for raping and sexually assaulting 299 children between 1989 and 2014. The victims, mostly children under 11, were often sedated or unconscious during the assaults, which Le Scouarnec disguised as medical care.
Le Scouarnec, already serving a 15-year sentence for a 2020 conviction, confessed to all charges, including abusing his granddaughter. His crimes were meticulously documented in notebooks, which became central evidence in the trial. Despite prior convictions for child pornography in 2005 and 2017, he continued his abuse unchecked, exploiting his medical position.
Prosecutors and victims' advocates criticized health authorities for failing to suspend his medical license or prevent his access to children after his 2005 conviction. "More could have been done," prosecutor Stéphane Kellenberger said, highlighting systemic failures.
Le Scouarnec remains a potential danger, according to experts, despite his claim of no longer feeling sexual attraction to children. A third trial is expected as new allegations emerge, including further abuse involving his granddaughter. The case has raised calls for stronger legal protections to prevent such abuse and address societal inaction.

Published: 5/28/2025