High-Stakes Trial Opens in Besançon
The trial of Frédéric Péchier, a French anaesthetist accused of poisoning 30 patients — leading to 12 deaths — has begun in eastern France. If convicted, the 53-year-old faces life imprisonment.
Alleged Crimes Spanning Nine Years
Prosecutors allege Péchier contaminated infusion pouches at two clinics in Besançon between 2008 and 2017. Victims ranged in age from 4 to 89 years old. He allegedly caused cardiac arrests and then intervened during resuscitation attempts, raising suspicions that he sought to portray himself as a lifesaver.
Case Triggered by 2017 Incident
Authorities began investigating after Sandra Simard, 36, suffered cardiac arrest during a routine operation in January 2017. Tests revealed a potentially lethal dose of potassium in her anaesthesia bag. This discovery led investigators to uncover dozens of other suspicious cases.
Péchier Maintains Innocence
The father of three has been banned from practising medicine but continues to deny wrongdoing. His lawyers insist he intends to prove his innocence, dismissing the allegations as unfounded. Péchier remains under judicial supervision but is not in custody.
Complex and Lengthy Trial
Victims’ lawyers describe the proceedings as “dizzying”, given the scale, duration, and technical complexity of the case. The trial is expected to continue until December 2025.
