08.09.2025 18:31
An anesthesiologist named Frédéric Pechier, who worked in the city of Besançon, France, is accused of intentionally poisoning 30 patients between 2008 and 2017, resulting in the deaths of 12 of them. During the trial, which began after an in-depth investigation lasting 8 years, it is alleged that the doctor attempted to showcase his professional skills by inducing heart attacks in patients and aimed to create a heroic doctor image.
The trials of a case that has shaken public opinion in the city of Besançon, located in eastern France, have begun.
INTENTIONALLY INDUCED HEART ATTACKS IN 30 PATIENTS
Frédéric Pechier, a 53-year-old anesthesiologist, is accused of intentionally poisoning 30 patients, leading to the deaths of 12 of them. The prosecution claims that the doctor caused patients to suffer heart attacks during low-risk surgeries to showcase his own skills.
AIMED TO CREATE A HERO DOCTOR IMAGE
The case is based on unusual cardiac arrest incidents that occurred between 2008 and 2017 at the Saint-Vincent Clinic and the Franche-Comté Polyclinic. According to the French press, it is alleged that Pechier intentionally administered high doses of anesthesia to some patients and then emerged as the "doctor who saved them" by intervening. It is claimed that this was intended to belittle his colleagues or to create a hero doctor image.
THE YOUNGEST VICTIM WAS 4 YEARS OLD
The youngest of the suspicious cases was 4-year-old Teddy, who underwent a tonsillectomy in 2016. The child, who reportedly had two cardiac arrests, survived by chance. The oldest victim was an 89-year-old patient. A total of more than 70 cardiac arrest cases were scrutinized during the investigation, but only 30 were included in the case.
17 YEARS OF WAITING FOR JUSTICE
The official judicial investigation that began in 2017 also caused a significant stir in the medical community. The examination of medical reports, witness statements, and drug records took 8 years. When the case was finally opened, some families expressed that they had been waiting for justice for 17 years. One of these families, Amandine Iehlen, lost her father during a kidney operation in 2008. The autopsy report revealed the presence of an excessive dose of anesthetic.
DOCTOR DENIES THE ALLEGATIONS
When Pechier entered the courtroom, some of his relatives supported him by saying, "Come on, Fredo." In his first statement, he defended himself. In statements to the press, Pechier denied the allegations, saying, "I understand the pain the families are experiencing, but I am not responsible for these tragedies." He will not be in custody during the trial but will remain under judicial supervision.
A CASE WITHOUT PRECEDENT
The chief prosecutor of the case, Etienne Manteaux, described this process as "an unprecedented case in French legal history." In court, allegations will be evaluated that the doctor intentionally changed drug bags in some cases and created crisis situations in patients to highlight himself.
LIFE IMPRISONMENT ON THE AGENDA
If found guilty, Frédéric Pechier will face life imprisonment. The defense argues that the allegations cannot be proven and is requesting an acquittal. The trials are expected to last for weeks.