In a courtroom in Vannes, France, a 74-year-old former surgeon faced the weight of his actions. Joël Le Scouarnec, once a trusted doctor, was sentenced to 20 years in prison on May 28, 2025, for raping and sexually assaulting 299 patients, mostly children, over more than two decades. The verdict, the maximum for aggravated rape, brought a moment of justice for victims but left a haunting question: how was this allowed to happen for so long?

Le Scouarnec preyed on vulnerable children, many under anesthesia in hospital rooms, from 1989 to 2014. His meticulous diaries, uncovered after his 2017 arrest, detailed the horrors, naming victims and describing acts that shook France. “I committed despicable acts,” he admitted in court, his voice flat. Yet, a 2005 conviction for possessing child sexual abuse images didn’t stop him—he kept practicing, unchecked by the system.

Victims like Amélie Lévêque, abused at nine, stood outside the courthouse with banners, their pain visible. “He could be out in six years,” she said, her voice heavy with frustration. The ruling is a step, but many feel it’s not enough. For more stories of courage and justice, visit alttimes.

This case has sparked a reckoning, pushing France to confront failures in its healthcare and justice systems. As victims demand change, Le Scouarnec’s sentence is a start—but their fight for healing continues.