Alexis Bourdon (in Toulouse) // Photo credit: Patrick Batard / Hans Lucas / Hans Lucas via AFP 07:11, October 15, 2024, modified at 09:01, October 15, 2024
Protest movement within the Toulouse University Hospital. The organization’s staff are opposed to the arrival of a 26-year-old intern in their team. And for good reason: the young man was found guilty of sexual assault between 2017 and 2020. Despite everything, he should join the team in less than a month while awaiting his appeal trial next year.
The Toulouse University Hospital is shaken by the arrival of a 26-year-old intern. Last May, the young man was found guilty of sexual assault for acts committed between 2017 and 2020. The medical student was sentenced to five years in prison. But despite this conviction or even a petition which has gathered more than 40,000 signatures, he will return to the radiology department of the Toulouse hospital in a little less than 3 weeks.
“For us, this is something unacceptable and we will not let this happen”, alarms Pauline, member of the CGT hospital union, at the microphone of Europe 1. The latter does not understand that a student found guilty of sexual assault can continue their course as if nothing had happened. “Today, to work in a hospital, you need a clean criminal record. Obviously, it is not the same rate for medical students. And in any case, we believe that it is not possible to work with a population with whom the doctor can have an intimate relationship… We undress, there are exchanges (on the subject, editor’s note)… And that is not possible “, she continues.
“It’s super delicate”
Julie studied in Tours where she worked alongside the condemned intern. And on November 4, the young woman will also return to Toulouse University Hospital with a lot of fear. “We don’t know how to behave, it’s very delicate. There is a feeling of injustice, obviously , and above all a feeling of insecurity for my patients, but also for me and for my colleagues,” assures the young woman.
The 26-year-old intern will face justice again next year. His conviction is the subject of an appeal by the prosecution, which had requested a prison sentence. But in the meantime, he is authorized to practice.
