A paediatrician in eastern Germany has gone on trial, accused of sexually abusing more than 70 children over a decade. The 46-year-old doctor faces over 130 charges, including the rape of children, allegedly committed between 2013 and 2025 while working at clinics in the towns of Nauen and Rathenow.
The trial, which began on Monday in Potsdam, heard that the doctor was arrested about a year ago after a mother reported suspicions of abuse involving her child. Prosecutors stated that subsequent searches of the doctor's electronic devices uncovered evidence of further alleged crimes. The defendant has largely admitted to the charges, expressing guilt and reaffirming previous confessions.
Prosecutors allege that the doctor frequently instructed young male patients to undress for photography and videography, often under the guise of medical examinations. In at least four instances, the abuse is said to have occurred during visits to daycare centres. The doctor is also accused of filming sexual acts with a former patient, aged 15 to 16 at the time, at a clinic residence.
The Havelland healthcare group, which operates the clinics where the alleged offenses took place, stated in January that an internal review was underway. Reports indicated that the "four-eyes protocol," requiring two individuals to be present during a child's examination, was not consistently followed.
The defendant has been in custody since his arrest last November. The trial is expected to continue until December.