Former Bordeaux radiologist sentenced to 17 years in prison for rape and sexual assault

He had been disbarred in 2019 from the College of Physicians. Bassam el Absi, 71, a retired radiologist, was sentenced on Monday 27 February by the Bordeaux assize court to 17 years’ imprisonment for rape and sexual assault against eight patients, including a minor at the time of the events.

“A control system that uses the doctor’s double power and the money he earns to pervert his relationships with women »

On Friday 24 February, the last day of the trial, the Advocate General had asked for 15 years’ imprisonment against the former trainee from Bordeaux, highlighting a now consolidated mechanism: “It is a real El-Absi system. A lifestyle. A control system that uses the doctor’s double power and the money he earns to pervert his relationships with women “. Finally, the Court of Assizes chose a heavier sentence, 17 years, combined with a 5-year socio-judicial follow-up with a care order.

A decision welcomed as a relief by Peggy Ambeau, one of the victims who confided in the microphone of our colleagues at France 3 : “ To be given more than what was asked for is that it is a monster and it pays off in the end […] The only thing I remember is the satisfaction of finally being recognized as a victim and of knowing that he can do no more harm. Plus, he’ll have a psychological sequel “.

“I’m dying, I would be more useful with my family”

Throughout the trial, the defendant denied it outright. Before the deliberation, he grabbed the bar and played the clemency card: “ I’m not the monster we wanted to introduce you tohe assured. You may have sensed from me a way of smiling, a relaxation, but it was a way of hiding my heart […] It’s not right, I’m a dad, a grandfather, I’m dying, I would be more useful with my family “. A lean defense, which evidently didn’t convince.