Berlin: A paediatrician accused of sexually abusing more than 70 children while working at hospitals in eastern Germany appeared before a court in Potsdam on Monday, admitting most of the allegations against him. The 46 year old doctor faces 130 criminal charges relating to offences allegedly committed between December 2013 and November 2025 at medical facilities in Nauen and Rathenow, in the German state of Brandenburg.
During the opening hearing, prosecutors presented the charges, after which the defendant confirmed that he stood by his previous confessions. He also acknowledged responsibility for most of the alleged offences and expressed remorse.
According to prosecutors, the doctor allegedly exploited his position to abuse patients, many of them boys, during medical examinations and hospital visits. He is also accused of recording some of the incidents.
The charges include allegations involving visits to childcare centres, where the defendant was authorised to conduct medical examinations.
Complaint led to investigation
The investigation began in November 2025 after a mother reported suspected abuse involving her child to the authorities. Police subsequently arrested the doctor and searched his electronic devices. Prosecutors said examining seized material led investigators to identify further alleged offences and victims.
The defendant has remained in pre trial detention since his arrest. The case concerns alleged offences committed over nearly 12 years, including incidents in facilities operated by Havelland Kliniken, a healthcare group serving communities in Brandenburg.
Hospitals review child protection procedures
Following the allegations, Havelland Kliniken reviewed its safeguarding arrangements and introduced additional measures for medical examinations involving children. The hospital group said it had strengthened the requirement for two staff members to be present during examinations in sensitive circumstances and appointed an independent child protection officer.
The measures are intended to improve oversight of interactions between healthcare professionals and patients. The proceedings have also brought attention to how suspected abuse is reported, investigated and prevented within healthcare institutions, where children depend on medical professionals for treatment.
Court verdict expected in December
The Potsdam court has scheduled 18 hearing days, with a verdict expected in mid December. Fifteen affected individuals or their legal representatives are participating as joint plaintiffs, allowing them to take part in the criminal case under German law.
Although the defendant has admitted most of the allegations, the court must examine the evidence and determine criminal responsibility before delivering its judgement.
The outcome will establish the defendant's legal liability for the charges, while the hospital group's revised safeguarding measures address the institutional response to the allegations.
