Between minimization of the facts and conspiracy theory, a former radiologist tried since Monday February 20 in Gironde for rape and sexual assault on eight women, including patients, disputes all their accusations.
At the helm of the Assize Court, Bassam El Absi, 71, retired since being struck off the College of Physicians in 2019, seems relaxed.
“
Everyone knows me and I've never had a problem
,” says the man who says he has performed some “
250,000 ultrasounds
”.
Eight women, including six former patients and a medical secretary, filed a complaint against him, denouncing touching in the private parts and digital penetrations.
The facts incriminated are spread over ten years.
The eighth victim in this trial, a minor at the time of the events and aged 20 today, accuses him of having raped her at her home.
The accused claims to be “victim of a conspiracy”
These complaints “
surprised
” the wife of the ex-doctor who, before the court, assures us that her husband “
has always had respect for his patients
”.
Described by a clinical psychologist as "
jovial
", "
without psychiatric history
" but with "
narcissistic-type traits
", Bassam El Absi also likes to spend money on those around him, it is pointed out.
Financial aid which, according to the expert, had a “
rewarding effect
”.
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His mistresses, two of whom worked in his office in Langon (Gironde), also benefited from his largesse.
Among them, a former secretary, mother of the girl who filed a complaint for rape.
“
She is completely crazy
”, would have replied the accused about the teenager when the mother tried to discuss the facts with him.
"
This is what he also said about the other patients who had complained
," testified the ex-employee, very moved.
During the investigation, the radiologist had defended himself by denying having committed the acts of which he is accused, if not by medical necessity, or by evoking incompatible erection problems, according to him, with certain accusations.
Bassam El Absi also said he was "
victim of a conspiracy
" organized within his cabinet and on social networks.
He also did not hesitate to mention "
the very low IQ
" of one of the complainants and his "
little hazelnut in the skull
", testified Tuesday a psychiatric expert.
The ex-radiologist was to be questioned on the facts Tuesday at the end of the day.
The trial is scheduled until Friday.
