A pediatrician in eastern Germany went on trial Monday accused of sexually abusing more than 70 children over more than a decade, crimes the physician largely admitted committing.
The 46-year-old doctor is charged with more than 130 criminal offences linked to the abuse of children while he was working at clinics in the eastern German towns of Nauen and Rathenow between 2013 and 2025.
After the charges were read in court on Monday, the defendant spoke briefly to acknowledge most of the alleged acts, reaffirm his previous confessions, and express a profound sense of guilt.
In most of the documented cases, he would enter the rooms of his victims -- the majority of whom were male -- and instruct them to undress so that he could take photographs and, at times, videos.
In many instances, he allegedly carried out sexual assaults under the guise of performing medical procedures.
In at least four cases, the defendant allegedly took advantage of medical visits to daycare centres to commit sexual abuse against young children, again capturing images of the acts.
He is also alleged to have met repeatedly with a former patient -- who was 15 to 16 years old at the time -- at a residence at one of the clinic, where the doctor allegedly filmed sexual acts.
The doctor was arrested about a year ago after the mother of a child reported suspected abuse to authorities.
Searches of the doctor’s electronic devices turned up visual evidence of further crimes, according to prosecutors.
He has remained in pretrial detention since his arrest.
The trial, which is being held in the eastern German city of Potsdam just outside Berlin, is expected to last until December.
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If you or someone you know is struggling with sexual assault or trauma, the following resources are available to support people in crisis:
- Call 911 if you are in immediate danger or fear for your safety.
- The Canadian Association of Sexual Assault Centres’ website has a comprehensive list of sexual assault centres in Canada that offer information, advocacy and counselling.
- The Ending Violence Association of Canada’s website has links to helplines, support services and locations across Canada that offer sexual assault kits.
- Indian Residential School Survivors Society crisis lines: +1 866 925 4419 or +1 800 721 0066 (24/7)
- Toronto Rape Crisis Centre crisis line: +1 416 597 8808 (24/7)
- Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline: +1 833 900 1010 (24/7)
- Trans Lifeline: +1 877 330 6366
- Suicide Crisis Helpline: call or text 988 (24/7)
- Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre for current and former Canadian Armed Forces members: +1 844 750 1648
- Read about your rights as a victim on the Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime website.
