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France’s Largest Paedophilia Trial Begins: Former Surgeon Faces 299 Charges
The trial of Joël Le Scouarnec, accused of sexually abusing 299 victims—mostly minors—over three decades, commenced on Monday in the Morbihan criminal court, marking what officials call the largest paedophilia case in France’s history. The 74-year-old former surgeon faces a maximum sentence of 20 years if convicted.
Le Scouarnec has admitted to most of the charges, which include 111 cases of rape and 189 of sexual assault, often committed while abusing his position as a doctor. His prior convictions include a 2005 suspended sentence for possessing child pornography and a 2020 15-year sentence for sexually abusing four minors.
The trial, expected to last four months, takes place in a specially adapted courtroom due to its scale. With 202 civil parties involved, the proceedings will feature testimonies from victims—whose average age during the abuse was 11—and medical experts. A legal support team and therapy dog will be available to assist victims during their testimonies.
Investigators discovered extensive evidence at Le Scouarnec’s home in 2017, following allegations from a six-year-old girl. Authorities found hundreds of thousands of illicit images, disturbing photomontages, and handwritten diaries documenting decades of abuse. His crimes spanned 15 hospitals across France, with most victims identified at Vannes’ Sacré-Coeur clinic.
The first two weeks of the trial focus on Le Scouarnec’s background, with testimonies from relatives, including his ex-wife, who claims she was unaware of his actions. The trial will proceed chronologically through the incidents, with medical and hospital officials expected to testify about their knowledge of the surgeon’s 2005 conviction. Despite early warnings, Le Scouarnec continued practicing until his arrest in 2017.
The court will hear psychiatric evaluations on May 20, followed by closing arguments from victims’ lawyers from May 22 to 28. The prosecution will present its case on June 2, and the defense on June 3. Le Scouarnec will have the opportunity to address the court before deliberations begin on June 4, with a verdict expected on June 7.
The French Ministry of Justice has allocated approximately €3 million for trial expenses, including courtroom modifications, equipment, and victim support. Strict measures, such as colored necklaces, will help victims indicate whether they wish to be approached by the media.
This landmark case has reignited debates on safeguarding children within medical settings, as well as the need for stronger oversight of professionals with prior offenses.
News
Investigation Underway After Goa Nightclub Fire Kills at Least 25
Authorities in the Indian state of Goa have opened an investigation into a nightclub fire that killed at least 25 people, including several tourists, in one of the region’s most popular party districts. Six others were injured in the blaze, which broke out shortly after midnight in Arpora, a nightlife hub about 25 kilometres from the state capital, Panaji.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant confirmed the death toll in a statement posted on X, saying the victims included many of the club’s kitchen staff and a small number of visiting tourists. He added that all the injured were in stable condition and receiving medical treatment. Rescue teams recovered all bodies from the site.
Early reports from local police, cited by the Press Trust of India, indicated that a gas cylinder explosion triggered the fire. Witnesses, however, told the agency that the blaze appeared to start on the club’s first floor, where nearly 100 tourists were dancing at the time. As smoke and flames swept through the building, many people ran toward the lower floor, where they became trapped along with staff members.
Sawant said a formal inquiry would determine the exact cause and whether the club complied with fire safety regulations. He pledged strict action against anyone found responsible, writing on X that any negligence uncovered by investigators would be “dealt with firmly”.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as patrons attempted to flee the burning building. “We rushed out of the club only to see that the entire structure was up in flames,” said Fatima Shaikh, who was inside when the fire began.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered condolences in a message on X, calling the incident “deeply saddening” and wishing the injured a swift recovery.
Local media reported that the club’s location along the Arpora River backwaters posed challenges for emergency crews. A narrow approach road forced fire engines to park about 400 metres from the entrance, slowing their response. Reports also revealed that the building had previously received a demolition notice after officials found it lacked a construction permit. That order was later withdrawn by senior state authorities, according to Arpora councillor Roshan Redkar.
Incidents involving gas cylinders and electrical faults are not unusual in India and often lead to heavy casualties, prompting renewed calls for stronger enforcement of safety standards. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi criticised the tragedy as a “criminal failure of safety and governance” and urged a transparent investigation to establish accountability and prevent future disasters.
The probe into the fire is expected to assess structural safety, emergency exits and compliance with existing regulations as authorities work to piece together how the late-night gathering turned into one of the deadliest incidents in the state in recent years.
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