The Long Shadow of a Predator Doctor

A former surgeon, Joel Le Scouarnec, has been given a 20-year sentence for sexually abusing hundreds of patients, mostly children, over a span of 25 years. He showed no emotion as the judge read out the verdict. This is not his first time facing justice. Back in 2020, he was already sentenced to 15 years for similar crimes against four children, including two of his nieces. He did not hide his actions. In fact, he admitted to them in March. He even kept detailed records of his crimes, which helped the police find many of his victims. These victims had no memory of the abuse because they were either under anesthesia or just waking up from surgery. Some of these victims have since taken their own lives. The judge considered that Le Scouarnec targeted sick, weak, and sedated victims. He is now 74 years old. He has been called France's most prolific pedophile. He has been in jail since his previous conviction. The trial started in February and lasted for 14 weeks. During this time, many of his victims shared their stories. They talked about how the abuse changed their lives forever. Le Scouarnec did not try to hide his actions. He even said he was responsible for the deaths of two victims who took their own lives after the abuse. He did not ask for leniency. He even said he did not expect it. He repeatedly apologized for his "revolting" acts during the trial. He was present every day of the 14-week trial. The victims and their families are not happy with the sentence. They feel it is too short given the number of victims. They want the law to change so that sentences better fit the crime. One victim, Amélie Lévêque, said she was upset at the thought of Le Scouarnec walking free again. She said the victims no longer have normal lives. She hopes institutions will react and make changes. The trial has sparked anger. Many people are upset that Le Scouarnec was able to continue his crimes for so long. They are also upset that he was allowed to keep treating children even after a previous conviction for downloading pedophile images. The Victims of Joel Le Scouarnec Collective group said the trial did not get enough attention from politicians and society. They hope that this case will lead to changes in the medical world and in politics. Several victims protested in front of the courthouse before the verdict was announced. They hope their message will be heard, not just for those who have been hurt, but for future generations. The trial has been a tough journey for the victims. They have had to relive their trauma. They have had to face their abuser in court. They have had to share their stories with the world. But they hope that their actions will lead to change. They hope that their stories will prevent other children from going through the same thing. They hope that their voices will be heard. They hope that their pain will not be in vain. They hope that their abuser will never walk free again.