Accused of abusing 349 children, French surgeon faces trial

Exterior view of the Courthouse on the opening day of the trial "behind closed doors" of retired French surgeon Joel Le Scouarnec in Saintes, western France, Friday, March 13, 2020. A retired French surgeon accused of raping or sexually abusing more than 300 girls – often on the operating table - goes on trial, in a case that took decades to come to light and may be France's worst single sexual abuse case to date. (AP Photo/Francois Mori) Exterior view of the Courthouse on the opening day of the trial "behind closed doors" of retired French surgeon Joel Le Scouarnec in Saintes, western France, Friday, March 13, 2020. A retired French surgeon accused of raping or sexually abusing more than 300 girls – often on the operating table - goes on trial, in a case that took decades to come to light and may be France's worst single sexual abuse case to date. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)

By NICOLAS VAUX-MONTAGNY / The Associated Press March 14, 2020 4 min read

SAINTES, France (AP) – A retired surgeon accused of sexually abusing as many as 349 young children over decades – primarily his patients, in their hospital rooms – is facing justice at last, in the worst such case to come to light in France.

The trial that began Friday in the western city of Saintes is only the beginning, however.

It concerns four people allegedly targeted by Joel Le Scouarnec, 69, including two of his nieces. Other legal complaints against the doctor have piled up since the original investigation wrapped up, and prosecutors are preparing further action after this trial.

In a pinched, quiet voice, Le Scouarnec identified himself to the judge as the proceedings opened. His face held a closed, emotionless expression.

The judge then decided to close the proceedings to the public, exceptionally, at the request of defense lawyers who said Le Scouarnec would speak more freely that way. Some families of victims protested the move, saying the public should hear what the doctor had done.