A specialist in endometriosis, head of the gynecological-obstetrics and reproductive medicine department at Tenon hospital, Émile Daraï is the target of several rape complaints.

The AP-HP and Sorbonne University announced on October 8 that the gynecologist was withdrawn from his responsibilities so that the internal investigation, launched a little earlier by the two institutions, "can take place in the greatest serenity" .

"This withdrawal is now final and Professor Daraï will not resume his responsibility as head of department or educational responsibility," announced the two institutions in a joint statement.

"It's a victory for women victims of gynecological and obstetric violence. The AP-HP has heard them. The omerta is starting to break down," Sonia Bisch, spokesperson for the "Stop" collective, told AFP gynecological and obstetrical violence "who had collected testimonies on his Twitter account @StopVOGfr.

"We nevertheless regret that Professor Daraï is not suspended from his consultations during the police investigation to preserve the safety of patients," she continued.

"In the light of the various testimonies against Pr Daraï, the commission considers that the obligation to inform these patients, the relief of their pain, the respect of their wishes were not respected", one can read in the internal investigation report made public Thursday.

But "the commission does not retain any sexual connotation while certain failings were noted in the collection of the consent to certain gestures".

The commission also concludes that "the current situation is the result of individual, but also collective and systemic dysfunctions".

Following the first complaint against Professor Daraï, the Paris prosecutor's office on September 28 opened an investigation for "rape by person having authority over a minor over 15 years old".

The investigations were initially entrusted to the Brigade for the protection of minors (BPM).

After a second complaint received on September 30, the Paris prosecutor's office extended this investigation to the offense of "gang rape" and the investigations were resumed by the 2nd district of the judicial police (2nd DPJ).

The doctor, who still consults, has been accused by several ex-patients of performing vaginal and rectal exams brutally and without asking for consent.

In a letter dated Tuesday and addressed to Martin Hirsch, Director General of Public Assistance - Paris Hospitals, the gynecologist said to himself "forced to recognize that these women could perceive the clinical examination that I carried out as devoid of 'empathy and benevolence'.

"I am deeply sorry and want to offer them my sincere apologies."

© 2021 AFP