Frederic Pechier, an anaesthetist now suspected of poisoning patients in 32 cases (with 13 lethal outcomes) at the Besancon hospital arrives at the Besancon courthouse on March 8, 2023. Doctor Pechier is summoned to appear before the examining magistrate on March 8, 9 and 10 to discuss the eight new cases of poisoning. (Photo by ARNAUD FINISTRE / AFP)
Mahakama nchini Ufaransa imemhukumu kifungo cha maisha jela daktari wa usingizi, Frédéric Péchier (53) kwa kuwatia sumu kwa makusudi wagonjwa 30, huku 12 kati yao wakifariki katika kipindi cha karibu miaka 10.
Mwendesha mashtaka, Thérèse Brunisso, amesema Péchier hakuwa daktari bali mhalifu aliyelitumia taaluma ya tiba kuua watu. Waathirika walikuwa na umri kuanzia miaka minne hadi 89.
Kesi hiyo, iliyodumu kwa miezi mitatu, ilijaribu kubaini sababu zilizomfanya daktari huyo kuwatia sumu wagonjwa katika hospitali binafsi alizofanyia kazi mjini Besançon, mashariki mwa Ufaransa.
Mahakama imeeleza kuwa Péchier alifanya vitendo hivyo ili kuharibu sifa za madaktari wenzakealiokuwa nao kwenye ushindani au migogoro, kwa kuwalenga wagonjwa wao ili waonekane hawana uwezo wa kufanya kazi.
Péchier, ambaye ana siku 10 za kukata rufaa, amekana mashtaka yote, akisema: “Sijawahi kumtia mtu yeyote sumu, mimi si mtu wa sumu.” Hata hivyo, mawakili wa waathirika wamesema alionekana hana hisia wala kuonesha kujutia mahakamani.
