A paediatrician in eastern Germany is facing trial over allegations of sexually abusing more than 70 children during his years working at medical facilities. The 46-year-old doctor, who has reportedly admitted to most of the accusations, faces more than 130 criminal charges relating to incidents said to have occurred between 2013 and 2025. Investigators say some of the alleged offences involved exploiting medical examinations to abuse young patients, with photographs and videos reportedly recovered from his electronic devices.
Highlights
- A 46-year-old German paediatrician is facing more than 130 criminal charges.
- More than 70 children are believed to have been victims of the alleged abuse.
- The incidents reportedly occurred between 2013 and 2025.
- Prosecutors allege that the doctor used medical examinations to facilitate some of the offences.
- The defendant has acknowledged most of the allegations and remains in pretrial detention.
Main Story
German Doctor Faces More Than 130 Criminal Charges
A paediatrician in Germany has appeared in court over a series of alleged sexual offences involving more than 70 children during his medical career.
The 46-year-old defendant went on trial on Monday in Potsdam, a city near Berlin, where prosecutors presented more than 130 criminal counts linked to alleged incidents at clinics in Nauen and Rathenow.
The alleged offences span a period between 2013 and 2025, with investigators detailing numerous cases involving young patients, most of whom were boys.
Following the reading of the charges, the doctor briefly addressed the court, acknowledging most of the alleged acts and maintaining earlier admissions.
He also expressed remorse over his actions.
Medical Examinations Allegedly Used to Abuse Children
According to prosecutors, the defendant allegedly exploited his professional position to gain access to vulnerable children.
In several reported incidents, he allegedly entered patients’ rooms and instructed them to remove their clothing before taking photographs or recording videos.
Investigators further allege that some of the sexual assaults were committed under the appearance of legitimate medical examinations.
At least four cases reportedly involved alleged abuse during medical visits to daycare centres, where the doctor was accused of taking advantage of his access to young children.
The prosecution has also presented allegations involving a former patient who was between 15 and 16 years old at the time. The doctor is accused of repeatedly meeting the teenager at a residence within one of the clinic premises and recording sexual encounters.
How the Investigation Began
The investigation reportedly began after the mother of one child raised concerns about suspected abuse and reported the matter to authorities.
The doctor was subsequently arrested approximately one year ago and has remained in custody as the case proceeds through the courts.
During investigations, authorities searched his electronic devices and reportedly discovered photographs and videos believed to provide evidence of additional offences.
The material is expected to form part of the evidence examined during the proceedings.
Trial Expected to Continue Until December
The proceedings are taking place in Potsdam, eastern Germany, with the court expected to hear the case until December.
The large number of charges and alleged victims makes the matter a significant criminal proceeding, particularly because of the period over which the alleged offences are said to have occurred.
The case has also drawn attention to the responsibility of medical institutions to protect young patients and ensure that professional access to children is never abused.
As the trial continues, the court will examine the evidence and determine the defendant’s criminal responsibility for the individual charges.
A medical professional is entrusted with protecting lives, especially those of children who depend on adults for their safety. This case raises an important question about accountability: How can institutions strengthen safeguards to ensure that children remain protected in the very places where they seek care?
