This week, in the eastern city of Besancon, a French court delivered a shocking verdict: anesthetist Frederic Pechier, 53, was sentenced to life in prison for poisoning 30 patients in two clinics between 2008 and 2017. 😱
Prosecutors revealed that Pechier tampered with IV bags, adding potassium, local anesthetics, adrenaline, and even an anticoagulant. The result? Cardiac arrests or severe hemorrhaging during routine surgeries. Of the 30 victims, 12 couldn’t be saved—among them patients as young as four-year-old Teddy and as old as 89.
According to investigators, Pechier’s twisted aim was to discredit colleagues he was in conflict with and feed his thirst for power. During the trial, he maintained his innocence, declaring 'I am not a poisoner.' Family members wept as presiding judge Delphine Thibierge ordered immediate incarceration.
The case first came under scrutiny in 2017, after a string of mysterious cardiac arrests in low-risk operations. Over the more than three-month trial, prosecutors argued that Pechier used medicine to kill, calling for the harshest penalty.
Pechier’s lawyer, Ornella Spatafora, confirmed plans to appeal. Meanwhile, the verdict has reignited debate over medical oversight in France—especially following another high-profile conviction in May, when retired doctor Joel Le Scouarnec received 20 years for abusing 298 patients, mostly children.
This chilling case reminds us how vigilant we must remain about patient safety and the trust we place in healthcare professionals. Stay informed for more updates. ⚖️💉
Reference(s):
French doctor jailed for life for poisoning 30 patients, killing 12
cgtn.com
