In what is being described as one of the largest child abuse trials in French history, a 74-year-old surgeon has been accused of sexually abusing nearly 300 young patients, primarily while they were unconscious during medical procedures. The trial commenced in Vannes, western France, with the defendant facing serious charges of rape and sexual assault, involving 158 male and 141 female victims, many of whom were minors at the time of the alleged offenses. The accusations span a period from 1989 to 2014, although the statute of limitations has rendered 15 cases ineligible for prosecution. The surgeon, who has admitted to some of the charges, potentially faces a sentence of up to 20 years in prison. The nature of the allegations is particularly disturbing, as many of the incidents reportedly occurred while the victims were under anesthesia or in recovery post-surgery, leaving them incapable of giving consent or reporting the abuse. The average age of the victims at the time of the alleged crimes was just eleven years old, with 111 cases involving severe sexual assault. Experts have diagnosed the victims with post-traumatic stress disorders, physical ailments, and mental health issues stemming from the abuse. Evidence gathered by authorities revealed that the accused maintained meticulous records of his actions in personal diaries, which were seized during a police raid. The investigation also uncovered approximately 300,000 child pornography images and disturbing references to sexual activities involving dolls and animals. In a previous sentencing in 2020, the surgeon received a 15-year prison term for four instances of abuse that had already come to light, initiated by a neighbor's complaint concerning her six-year-old daughter. Despite prior legal issues--including a conviction in 2005 for possessing child pornography, which resulted in a suspended sentence--the surgeon continued his medical practice without any apparent disciplinary consequences. Investigators have been probing why no colleagues raised alarms about his behavior during his lengthy career. A report indicated that among approximately 100 medical professionals interviewed, only a couple had sensed something amiss, but their concerns were never escalated. The trial is expected to last until June, with significant preparations made to accommodate the nearly 300 victims and their legal representatives. The courtroom setup has been specially designed to handle the extensive media attention, with 265 journalists already registered to cover the proceedings. This case has prompted widespread discussions about systemic failures in detecting and addressing such heinous acts within medical institutions. As the trial unfolds, it highlights the urgent need for greater vigilance and accountability in protecting vulnerable individuals, especially children, within healthcare settings.