KABUL: A French doctor in eastern France, accused of poisoning 30 patients over nine years—12 of whom died—has begun trial proceedings. Frédéric Péchier, an anesthesiologist, faces life imprisonment if found guilty. He is alleged to have committed these crimes between 2008 and 2017 at two clinics in Besançon. The 53-year-old former doctor, who has been banned from practicing medicine, first drew the attention of authorities when 36-year-old Sandra Simard suffered cardiac arrest during a routine surgery in January 2017. Reports indicate that a lethal amount of potassium was found in the serum used to sedate her. Investigations by French prosecutors uncovered many other suspicious cases. Prosecutors allege that Péchier, who has three children, contaminated his colleagues’ medications with the intent to discredit them. According to the prosecution, he would then intervene in the rescue efforts of the patients, always having a “solution” available. Péchier maintains his innocence, asserting that he has no connection to the poisoning incidents. Among the 30 patients who suffered cardiac arrest, 12 have died, with victims ranging in age from 4 to 89 years old. Péchier’s defense team states that he “fully intends to prove his innocence in this case.” The trial is expected to continue until December. A lawyer representing the victims described the trial as “complex” due to its “magnitude, duration, and technical intricacies.” Péchier is currently under judicial supervision but is not in custody.
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