The trial of Joël Le Scouarnec, a retired French surgeon accused of sexually abusing 299 patients, began on February 24 in Vannes.

The 74-year-old has admitted to most of the charges, which span from 1989 to 2014, with victims averaging 11 years old.

This case, described as the largest pedophilia trial in France, has sparked outrage and highlighted systemic failures in protecting children.

Despite warnings and suspicions over the years, Le Scouarnec's crimes went undetected due to institutional negligence and societal trust in medical professionals.

The trial is expected to last several months, with victims and their families seeking justice for the irreversible harm caused.