Shocking: 299 victims in France's largest child abuse process

Shocking: 299 victims in France's largest child abuse process

Frankreich - On May 28, 2025, the judgment is expected in the largest child abuse process in France. The accused Joël Le Scouarnec, a 74-year-old retired surgeon, is on trial for the most severe allegations, which he committed between 1989 and 2014. During this period, 299 children, including 158 boys and 141 girls, are said to have been victims of sexual abuse at an average age of 11. The public prosecutor calls for the maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, which should also include security measures. Details of the procedure not only surprised the public, but also raise questions about the responsibility of the health authorities.

Le Scouarnec has been in court every 299 cases, but concealed his actions as medical examinations. Often the victims were under anesthesia and could not recognize the abuse as such. He confessed that he treated his patients "like lifeless objects" and exploited his role as a doctor. Particularly frightening are the sought -after evidence, which contained around 300,000 photos of child abuse and diaries of the doctor, which include over 1600 pages. This investigation was triggered in 2017 by an advertisement by a neighbor whose daughter Le Scouarnec had misused in the garden.

The reactions of society

The case caused a sensation in France, and around twenty victims and relatives already protested in court against the silence of politics. They call for the establishment of an interministerial commission in order to be able to react better to abuse cases. The Medical Association also granted omissions when dealing with Le Scouarneec, especially since it was convicted of pedopornographic websites in 2004.

Le Scouarnec was in custody from 2020 to 2025 after he was sentenced to 15 years in prison for rape and sexual abuse of four children. In view of the severity of his offenses, Le Scouarnec showed remorse, but did not require a mitigation of his punishment. This poses the question of how such serious acts could remain under the radar of the security systems.

a greater context of sexual abuse

according to commissioned-mSususche.de there is no reliable information on the frequency of sexual abuse of children and adolescents, since many deeds are not displayed. In 2022, police crime statistics recorded a total of 15,520 cases of sexual child abuse, which illustrates the urgency of the problem.

The LE Scoarnec case is an alarming example of how deep and widespread sexual violence against children is anchored in medical and social structures. The discussion about the protection of abuse and prevention measures in countries such as France and Germany urgently must be intensified in order to prevent further acts.

The judgment against Le Scoarnec will be crucial for those affected and society, not only to create justice for the victims, but also to initiate necessary reforms within the health system.