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 90-seat courtroom in Vannes, Brittany, was too small to host the extraordinary trial of Joël Le Scouarnec. After various options were considered, a spillover room was arranged to show broadcasts in a neighboring former law faculty.

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.