French Lawyer Defending Convicted Sex Abuse Surgeon Dies by Suicide

Maxime Tessier, the lawyer defending Joel Le Scouarnec, a French surgeon convicted of sexually assaulting or raping 298 patients including many children, has died in an apparent suicide. Le Scouarnec was sentenced to 20 years in prison for crimes committed between 1989 and 2014, with prosecutors describing him as 'the devil... dressed in a white coat.' Tessier, who was known for his high regard for justice and was a father of two young children, faced intense pressure while defending one of France's most infamous sex predators. The case has highlighted systemic failures in preventing repeated sexual abuse by Le Scouarnec, particularly as many offenses occurred while patients were under anesthesia or waking from surgery. An investigation into Tessier's death is ongoing, and the case has drawn attention to the emotional toll on those involved in high-profile criminal defenses. Advocates emphasize the importance of mental health support, especially in cases involving trauma and child abuse.