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Life Sentence Sought for Besançon Anesthetist in 30 Poisonings, 12 Fatal

Prosecutors request life with a 22-year security period after a three-month trial built on toxicology.

Overview

  • After two days of requisitions, prosecutors asked for life imprisonment with a 22-year security period and a permanent ban from practicing medicine.
  • The prosecution alleges Frédéric Péchier contaminated infusion bags with potassium, local anesthetics, adrenaline or heparin to trigger cardiac arrests or hemorrhages in patients treated by colleagues.
  • Investigators say he is the sole common denominator across incidents from 2008 to 2017 at two Besançon clinics, highlighting the January 2017 Jean-Claude Gandon case as pivotal.
  • Péchier, 53, denies being the poisoner, has acknowledged that some cases were poisonings, remains free pending judgment, and his lawyer will plead for acquittal on Monday.
  • The verdict is due by December 19, with numerous civil parties present and some victims’ families welcoming the severity of the requisitions.