Joël Le Scouarnec Admits to Decades of Sexual Violence in Landmark Trial

The former surgeon, accused of abusing 299 victims over 25 years, confronts harrowing testimonies from survivors in a French courtroom.

Joël Le Scouarnec, a former surgeon, is on trial for sexual violence against 299 victims, most of whom were minors at the time of the incidents between 1989 and 2014.
Survivors have shared painful testimonies of long-term trauma, including eating disorders, depression, and phobias, as a result of the abuse they endured.
Le Scouarnec has acknowledged the crimes detailed in his journals and admitted to targeting children in his professional and personal circles, often exploiting moments of trust and proximity.
The court has heard how some victims recovered memories of the abuse years later through therapy or after learning of the accusations via media reports.
The case raises questions about the full extent of Le Scouarnec's crimes, as many victims were not documented in his journals, leaving the true number of those affected unknown.