The trial for former surgeon Joël Le Scouarnec, who is charged with raping or sexually assaulting 299 victims over three decades, is set to be the largest trial of its kind in French history. NBC News’ Molly Hunter reports on how the country and activists groups are reacting to the allegations against the 74-year-old.

This courtroom sketch by Valentin Pasquier shows Joel Le Scouarnec, now 74, sitting in courtroom and accused of raping or abusing 299 people, mostly child patients, at the Vannes courthouse, western France, on the opening day of his trial, Monday, Feb. 24, 2025. (Valentin Pasquier via AP)

Defendant Joël Le Scouarnec's chillingly detailed notebooks —which he used to document sexual violence that spanned decades — are central to the trial.