Frédéric Péchier stands trial in eastern France, accused of poisoning 30 patients between 2008 and 2017. Authorities say 12 victims died in two Besançon clinics. If convicted, the 53-year-old faces life imprisonment.
Investigation Uncovered Suspicious Deaths
The case began in 2017 when Sandra Simard, aged 36, suffered cardiac arrest during a routine surgery. Tests revealed potassium in her anaesthesia bag. Investigators later linked the incident to dozens of other suspicious cases. Prosecutors allege Péchier tainted infusion pouches to sabotage colleagues, then stepped in during resuscitations.
Péchier Denies All Allegations
Péchier maintains his innocence and vows to prove it in court. His defence claims no evidence directly ties him to the poisonings. Banned from practising medicine, he remains under judicial supervision. Victims’ lawyers call the trial “dizzying” in scale and complexity, with proceedings expected to last until December.
