Anger Erupts as Surgeon Receives 20-Year Sentence for Assaulting 299 Patients

French surgeon Joel Le Scouarnec was sentenced to 20 years in prison on May 28, 2025, for the rape and sexual assault of 299 patients. The verdict has sparked outrage among victims, many of whom feel the sentence is too lenient. Amelie Leveque, a victim who was assaulted when she was only 9 years old, stated, "I feel like I've been fighting for six years for nothing." Anais Robic, another victim, added, "I'm a little disappointed. I'm glad he got 20 years, but the security period reductions are concerning." The prosecution highlighted that the average age of the victims was 11 years old, with 256 of them being under 15 at the time of the assaults. Le Scouarnec has decided not to appeal the verdict, bringing a close to a three-month trial. The case underscores the ongoing struggle for justice for victims of sexual assault and the need for stricter sentencing guidelines.