
French ex-surgeon Joel Le Scouarnec, accused of rape and sexual assault against hundreds of children over several decades, is seen during his trial in this courtroom sketch at the courthouse in Vannes, France, February 24, 2025. — Reuters
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A retired French surgeon has been accused of sexually abusing hundreds of young patients over the decades when they began to commit “despicable” actions with his trial in western France on Monday. Confessed.
74 -year -old Joel Lee Scorink faces allegations of increasing rape and sexual abuse against 299 victims, mostly children at the time. The case has raised serious concerns about the failures of France’s public -driven health care system.
Dressed in a black jacket and glasses, Lee Scournik spoke in a quiet voice when he confirmed his identity in a small provincial room court, while some of his alleged victims followed the operation from a nearby building.
He told the court, “I have committed contempt of action.” “I know that the damage I have done is irreparable. I am obliged for my victims and their families to recognize my actions and a lifetime of suffering they have endured.”
From 1989 to 2014, his alleged abuse extends for 25 years, which has led to the worst incident of sexual abuse of children in France.
The trial is in December, in December, with a widespread calculation of sexual offenses in the country, charged with giving drugs to his wife and allowing dozens of men to abuse him.
Lee Scarnik, who has already been sentenced to prison for previous rape sentences, may face up to 20 years if he was found guilty. However, under French law, many sentences for similar crimes run simultaneously.
“Whether you abuse a child or 300, the punishment is the same,” said Mary Grimeow, a lawyer representing some of the victims. He added that his client himself expects dignity and identity from the justice system rather than a expectation of justice from Li Scorink.
A long history of abuse
Lee Scarnik was already punished for sexual offenses. In 2005, he was sentenced to four months on charges of child pornography, but managed to take position as a surgeon at a government hospital in the western French city of Western France next year.
He continued his practice in public hospitals until his six -year -old neighbor was arrested in 2017. During the interrogation, police discovered electronic diaries, providing details of his sexual assaults on dozens of patients.
In 2020, he was convicted of rape and sexual abuse of his young neighbor, his two nieces, and a four -year -old patient, who was sentenced to 15 years in prison.
Further investigation into the records found in his possession resulted in the prosecution accused of increasing rape and sexual abuse of 299 additional victims.
Francois, one of the plaintiffs, said he was 12 years old when Lee Asorenk allegedly abused him and expressed his anger on how the authorities failed to work. “Why was this surgeon allowed to continue working with children?” He asked.
Alerts ignored
Judicial documents show that some health ministry officials were aware of their 2005 sentence, yet they are still allowed to practice. The ministry has not responded to comments requests.
Immediately after hiring at the Kimperley Public Hospital in 2006, a psychologist raised concerns about his behavior with hospital management, but no action was taken. The hospital has not explained why Lee Scarnik has maintained its position despite these warnings.
Local prosecutor Stephen Calinberger has launched a separate investigation to see if public institutions or individuals can be blamed for failing to avoid abuse.
“It is impossible for anyone else to abduct and attack children without knowing the Child Protection Organization Investigation Investigation, who is representing 40 victims.”
Outside the courthouse in Venice, a small town in Britney, protesters gathered with banners, accused of banning medical authorities.
The National Council of Physicians, responsible for monitoring medical ethics in France, said it is now working with judicial authorities to prevent similar failures in the future.