Key takeaways:

• Former surgeon Joël Le Scouarnec is on trial for allegedly assaulting or raping 299 patients, primarily children.
• His ex-wife, Marie-France, insists she had “no knowledge” of his actions, despite accusations from his brother.
• The case has drawn public outrage due to its size and the nature of the alleged crimes, highlighting systemic failures.

In a high-profile trial that has shocked France, former surgeon Joël Le Scouarnec, 74, faces accusations concerning the sexual abuse of 299 patients, the overwhelming majority of whom were children. Among the allegations are claims that he assaulted his victims while they were under anesthesia or recovering in hospital beds. This case stands as one of France's largest child sex abuse cases in history. Source: SCMP

The trial commenced in the western city of Vannes and has drawn considerable media and public attention given the severity of the allegations. Notably, Marie-France, Le Scouarnec's ex-wife, appeared in court to vehemently deny any knowledge of her husband’s alleged activities. "There was nothing that could have made me think that. Nothing, nothing, nothing," she stated, indicating her disbelief at the extent of his alleged crimes. Source: Le Monde

Contrasting her testimony, Le Scouarnec's brother accused Marie-France of being complicit, claiming she could have acted to prevent his brother's ongoing abuses. He described her as prioritizing her husband's wealth over the protection of potential victims. Amidst familial accusations, Marie-France has consistently maintained her innocence and ignorance concerning her husband’s alleged paedophilia, suggesting that no warnings were ever presented to her. Source: CBS News

The alleged abuse spanned from 1989 to 2014, and the average age of his victims was around eleven. Evidence presented during the trial includes meticulously kept records of the acts committed against his victims, which Le Scouarnec reportedly documented, indicating premeditation and awareness of his illicit behavior. This documentation surfaced following an investigation initiated by a neighbor's complaint in 2017, which prompted police scrutiny and uncovered a trove of incriminating materials, including videos and written accounts of abuse. Source: SCMP

In light of the revelations surrounding his actions and the apparent systemic failures that permitted his prolonged practice, public outcry has ignited discussions over measures to ensure patient safety within the healthcare system. The court case continues, with more testimonies expected from the 299 alleged victims, all of whom are now adults, as they recount their traumatic experiences at the hands of Le Scouarnec.