French Doctor on Trial for Alleged Poisoning of Patients

TDT | Manama

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A French anaesthetist, Frederic Pechier, 53, went on trial Monday accused of intentionally poisoning 30 patients—both children and adults—between 2008 and 2017, resulting in 12 deaths.

Pechier worked at two clinics in the eastern city of Besancon, where patients reportedly went into cardiac arrest under suspicious circumstances. Prosecutors claim he caused the heart attacks to showcase his resuscitation skills and discredit colleagues.

Among the alleged victims was a four-year-old child, identified as Teddy, who survived two cardiac arrests during a routine tonsil operation in 2016. The oldest alleged victim was 89 years old.

Before the trial began, Pechier told French broadcaster RTL that he was not responsible for the “distress” of his alleged victims and their families and insisted he had “strong arguments” to defend himself. His trial, which is expected to last until December, has shocked the medical community after an eight-year investigation.

Pechier, a father of three, faces life imprisonment if convicted. He is not currently in custody but remains under judicial supervision, an alternative to pre-trial detention.