Péchier: French anaesthetist faces trial over alleged poisoning of 30 patients

A former anaesthetist, Frédéric Péchier, has gone on trial in Besançon, eastern France, after being accused of deliberately poisoning 30 patients, 12 of whom later died.

As reported, the investigators first placed Péchier under scrutiny in 2017 after a series of unexplained medical emergencies at two clinics in the city.

The investigators alleged that between 2008 and 2017, Péchier tampered with intravenous medicines to provoke cardiac arrests, positioning himself to intervene dramatically and outshine colleagues.

Prosecutors argue that he acted as the “common denominator” in every suspicious case.

The trial, according to report, which began this week, is expected to run for more than three months and has drawn over 150 civil parties representing the alleged victims.

If convicted, Péchier could face life imprisonment.

In January 2017, allegations surfaced when Sandra Simard, a healthy 36-year-old woman, underwent spinal surgery.

It was reported that Sandra’s heart suddenly stopped during the procedure, and despite efforts from an intensive care physician, she survived only after Péchier administered an injection.

Subsequent tests revealed potassium levels in her system 100 times above the normal dose. Days later, a 70-year-old man suffered another unexplained incident, prompting prosecutors to open a wider investigation.

However, authorities reviewed earlier cases dating back to 2008. They discovered several unexplained cardiac arrests involving patients as young as four and as old as 89.

In some instances, patients with no history of heart disease collapsed during routine operations.

Twelve patients could not be revived, including Damien Iehlen, 53, who died in 2008 after receiving a fatal dose of lidocaine during kidney surgery.

Speaking to French radio before the trial, Péchier insisted no evidence proves deliberate poisoning and claimed he has been framed.

“After I left in 2017, they still recorded cardiac arrests. I finally have the chance to put all the cards on the table,” he said.

The court will continue hearing testimonies and expert reports until December.

Péchier, now 53, remains under judicial supervision as the high-profile case unfolds.