French authorities have charged Frédéric Péchier with poisoning 30 patients at two Besançon clinics from 2008 to 2017. Twelve patients died. Péchier, 53, faces life imprisonment if convicted. Authorities began investigating after Sandra Simard suffered cardiac arrest during a routine operation in January 2017. Doctors discovered a potentially lethal dose of potassium in her anaesthesia bag.
Prosecutors Claim Deliberate Contamination
Prosecutors say Péchier tampered with infusion pouches to harm colleagues professionally. They claim he then intervened during resuscitations, always offering a “solution.” Péchier denies all allegations and maintains he did not poison any patients. Victims ranged in age from 4 to 89. His lawyers insist he will prove his innocence.
Complex Trial Underway
The trial, expected to continue until December, has drawn attention for its scale and technical complexity. Péchier remains under judicial supervision and is not in custody.
