French Surgeon's 20-Year Sentence for Assaulting 300 Patients Sparks Outrage

French Surgeon Sentenced to 20 Years for Assaulting Nearly 300 Patients A French court sentenced surgeon Joël Lescure to 20 years in prison for the sexual assault of almost 300 patients. The assaults, which spanned 25 years, targeted vulnerable individuals, many of whom were children, while they were under anesthesia during operations. The case has sparked outrage and calls for reform within the French healthcare system. "20 years is not enough, considering the number of victims," stated Françoise Cotta, a lawyer representing several victims. The sheer scale of Lescure's crimes shocked the nation. Many victims were too traumatized to testify publicly, but their stories were detailed in Lescure's electronic diaries, which were discovered by police. These diaries also revealed a disturbing collection of sex dolls and child pornography. The lengthy sentence reflects the gravity of Lescure's actions, but also underscores the systemic failures that allowed such abuse to continue for decades. The case serves as a stark reminder of the need for greater oversight and protection of patients within healthcare settings. The victims' bravery in coming forward has helped bring this predator to justice and hopefully, will lead to meaningful change in the system.