A paediatrician in Germany has been charged with 130 counts of sexual abuse, prosecutors said on Thursday, in a case that has shocked the country. The 46-year-old doctor, who has not been named due to privacy laws, is accused of abusing 31 children between 2019 and 2023 in his practice in the western city of Cologne.
Details of the Charges
The charges include 44 cases of severe sexual abuse, 46 counts of sexual abuse, and 40 counts of possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material. The victims, aged between 3 and 15, were mostly patients at his practice. Prosecutors allege that the doctor abused his position of trust to commit the crimes, often during medical examinations.
Investigation and Arrest
The investigation began in 2023 after a parent reported suspicious behavior. Police seized computers and storage devices from the doctor's home and practice, uncovering thousands of images and videos. The doctor was arrested in November 2023 and has been in custody since. He has not yet commented on the charges.
Broader Context
The case has reignited debates about child protection in Germany. In recent years, the country has seen several high-profile cases of child abuse, including the Lügde case in 2019, where three people were convicted of abusing dozens of children. Authorities have pledged to strengthen safeguards, but critics argue that more needs to be done to prevent such crimes.
Legal Proceedings
The trial is expected to begin later this year at the Cologne Regional Court. If convicted, the doctor faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, followed by preventive detention. The court has also ordered a psychiatric evaluation to assess his dangerousness.
Victim Support
Victims and their families have been offered psychological support. A support group has been set up to help them cope with the trauma. The case has also prompted calls for better training of medical professionals to recognize signs of abuse and for stricter background checks for those working with children.
