The PIP breast prosthesis trial opens this April 17, 2013 in Marseille. At the heart of the scandal, breast implants whose gel used does not comply with the law. For a month, the criminal court will look into this case, which concerns around 30,000 women in France. The founder of the Var company Poly Implant Prosthesis (PIP), Jean-Claude Mas will be confronted with the plaintiffs, that is to say approximately 5,250 people.
The case began on March 30, 2010. The company PIP is placed in compulsory liquidation after an alert from the Medical Products Agency (ANSM). The breast implants it produces are withdrawn from the market due to an abnormal rate of ruptures and the use of questionable gel.
In April of the same year, the Marseille prosecutor’s office opened a preliminary investigation for “aggravated deception and endangering the life of others”. A few months later, on September 28, the Afssaps (National Medicines Safety Agency) recommended the removal of prostheses in the event of risk of rupture.
The following year, in October 2011, Jean-Claude Mas was taken into police custody. He admits, in front of the investigators, to have used an unapproved gel, without regrets. “I knowingly did it because it was cheaper, and of much better quality,” he asserted, assuring that he was safe for health.
A month later, the November 21, 2011, a woman dies in Marseille after developing cancer following the rupture of her PIP prostheses.
Following this death, a judicial investigation against X for “homicide and involuntary injuries” and a preliminary investigation for aggravated deception are opened in parallel, the December 8 2011.
In January 2012, the events follow one another: the chemical distributor Brenntag admits having supplied industrial silicone to the company PIP. A few days later, the Figaro reveals that the company of Jean-Claude Mas would have supplied breast prostheses to French cancer centers.
At the end of the month, the Jan. 27, 2012, Jean-Claude Mas is indicted in Marseille for “involuntary injuries”. On July 5 of the same year, he was again indicted on the financial aspect of the case.
Finally, the 11th of April 2013, French justice opens the way to compensation for victims, several thousand women, less than a week before the opening of the trial.
