Life Imprisonment for Anesthetist Frédéric Péchier in Poisoning Case

On December 18, 2025, anesthetist Frédéric Péchier was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 22 years before eligibility for parole. The 53-year-old was convicted of poisoning 30 patients, including 12 fatalities, at private clinics in Besançon between 2008 and 2017. The court proceedings spanned over three months and included deeply emotional testimonies from victims and their families, highlighting the tragic impact of the crimes.

Péchier used substances such as potassium and adrenaline to induce cardiac arrests purposely. Prosecutors described him as driven by a "thirst for power," targeting colleagues with whom he was in conflict by causing these medical emergencies. Despite overwhelming evidence and moving testimonies—including that of a teenage survivor poisoned at age four—Péchier maintained his innocence and consistently denied being the perpetrator throughout the trial. His defense lawyer argued for acquittal, citing a lack of irrefutable proof.

The court’s verdict classified Péchier as one of history’s most dangerous criminals due to his manipulation of medical practice to cause harm and death. The prosecution expressed deep emotion referencing the "list of horror" victims. This verdict marks a significant conclusion in a case that shocked the French medical community and public alike.

Separately on the same day, French President Emmanuel Macron publicly opposed signing the EU-Mercosur trade agreement, emphasizing concerns for French farmers, and Health Minister Stéphanie Rist urged precautions amid a flu epidemic.

Péchier’s sentencing underscores the judiciary's stern response to criminal acts within the healthcare system, ensuring accountability for abuses that exploited patients’ trust in medical professionals.