Did Professor Didier Raoult break the law? According to information from the Duck in chains , the Marseille prosecutor's office received a report calling into question the legal framework of its research. Against the coronavirus, the famous infectiologist would have administered hydroxychloroquine without the consent of his patients. Wednesday afternoon, from the Marseille IHU which he heads, he wanted to respond to these accusations at the microphone of Europe 1.
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But what exactly is this case about? A report was received on April 3 by the Marseille prosecutor: it is an accusation by a health professional whose identity is unknown and who claims that two clinical studies published by the IHU in the midst of an epidemic have not complied with the legal framework. In other words, hydroxychloroquine would have been prescribed to patients without their knowing it. Their free and informed consent had not been obtained, which could constitute a criminal offense.
"Allow time for justice"
Does Professor Raoult have anything to blame himself for? "We will see, we must let time for justice," said the infectious disease specialist. "Afterwards, the question is whether to do research or treat the sick. I said that I had to treat them, that it was no longer the time for research."
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As for the issue of consent, the patients knew "of course" that they were given hydroxychloroquine. "I try to do things according to my conscience. The rest, I don't care", still sweeps Didier Raoult. "I have the portraits of my family, they look at me with a bad air if I do something stupid. That's what interests me more."
The Marseille prosecutor's office nevertheless approached the National Medicines Safety Agency to assess the facts alleged against the infectiologist. But, at this stage, no decision has been made, on a preliminary investigation or a classification without further action.