The trial of Joël Le Scouarnec, a former surgeon accused of sexual abuse against 299 patients, predominantly minors, reaches a pivotal moment as the accused faces his final questioning by the criminal court of Morbihan. This case, which has unfolded over nearly thirteen weeks, has laid bare not only the alleged crimes of Le Scouarnec but also the systemic failures that allowed him to continue practicing medicine despite a prior conviction for child pornography in 2005.

Throughout the trial, the court has heard harrowing testimonies from victims and their families, painting a grim picture of the trauma endured. Le Scouarnec, who has admitted to the charges, now awaits a verdict that could see him imprisoned for up to 20 years. The proceedings have also scrutinized the medical institutions that employed him, revealing a disturbing disregard for patient safety in favor of staffing needs.

A collective of victims has voiced frustration over the lack of societal and governmental response to the case, organizing a protest outside the Vannes tribunal. They argue that the trial, which they hoped would serve as a wake-up call, has instead been met with indifference, failing to spark the necessary reforms in the medical and judicial systems to prevent future abuses.

As the trial nears its conclusion, with a verdict expected on May 28, the focus shifts to the lessons that can be learned from this case. The failures highlighted by the victims and the court's findings underscore the need for accountability and change within the medical profession and its oversight bodies, to ensure that such breaches of trust are not repeated.