Home / Crime and Justice / French Doctor Gets Life for Patient Poisonings
French Doctor Gets Life for Patient Poisonings
18 Dec, 2025
Summary
- A French anesthesiologist received a life sentence for poisoning 30 patients.
- Twelve of the poisoned patients died during the crimes committed between 2008 and 2017.
- The youngest victim was a 4-year-old boy who fell into a coma.
An anesthesiologist in Besançon, France, was sentenced to life imprisonment on Thursday for intentionally poisoning 30 patients, leading to 12 fatalities. The implicated doctor, who has denied the charges for eight years, committed these acts between 2008 and 2017. The court mandated a minimum of 22 years before parole eligibility, emphasizing the gravity of the offenses.
The case highlighted the severe impact on victims, including a 4-year-old boy who experienced cardiac arrest and a two-day coma after a toxic substance was administered during a routine procedure. Lawyers for the victims expressed relief and liberation following the verdict, acknowledging the doctor as one of France's most significant criminals.
Throughout the trial and investigations, the doctor maintained his innocence, attributing the accusations to others. His legal team confirmed an intention to appeal. The conviction marks a significant legal decision, with life sentences being rare in France, underscoring the court's strong stance against the doctor's actions.
