French authorities have charged anaesthetist Frédéric Péchier with harming 30 patients at Besançon clinics between 2008 and 2017. Twelve died.
Investigators zeroed in on Péchier after Sandra Simard suffered cardiac arrest during routine surgery in January 2017. Authorities discovered a lethal potassium dose in her anaesthesia bag.
Claims of Deliberate Medical Tampering
Prosecutors say Péchier deliberately contaminated infusion pouches to sabotage colleagues and then assisted during resuscitations, claiming he “always had a solution.”
Péchier denies any wrongdoing. His victims ranged from 4 to 89 years old. Defense lawyers say he intends to prove his innocence.
Lengthy and Complex Proceedings
The trial will continue until December. Lawyers describe it as dizzying due to its scale and technical complexity. Péchier remains under judicial supervision, not in custody.
