The numbers involved in France’s largest child abuse trial are staggering: 299 alleged victims, sexually abused in nine hospitals over 25 years - all by one doctor, prosecutors say.

The trial for former surgeon Joël Le Scouarnec, who is charged with raping or sexually assaulting 299 victims over three decades, is set to be the largest trial of its kind in French history. NBC News’ Molly Hunter reports on how the country and activists groups are reacting to the allegations against the 74-year-old.

A French former surgeon accused of abusing hundreds of patients, most of them children, has told a court that he admits to having "committed despicable acts" and "understands and shares the suffering" caused to his alleged victims.