German paediatrician charged with 130 sexual offence counts against children

German prosecutors have charged a 46-year-old paediatrician with 130 counts of sexual offences, including aggravated sexual abuse and rape involving children, in a case that has shocked the country’s healthcare sector.

The charges were announced on Wednesday by prosecutors in Potsdam, Brandenburg State, following months of investigation into allegations that the doctor abused children under his care over a 12-year period.

According to the Potsdam public prosecutor’s office, the accused allegedly committed the offences between December 2013 and November 2025 while working for Havelland Kliniken in the towns of Rathenow and Nauen.

Authorities said the investigation began after the mother of a young patient at a hospital in Rathenow reported suspicious behaviour to police in November 2025. The complaint led to the doctor’s arrest and the seizure of electronic devices and records from both his residence and workplace.

Prosecutors stated that the suspect now faces 130 criminal counts linked to alleged sexual offences against minors, including accusations classified under German law as aggravated sexual abuse and rape.

The identity of the accused has not been publicly released in line with German privacy laws.

Investigators said forensic specialists spent several months reviewing digital evidence gathered during the probe. While officials have not disclosed the exact number of alleged victims, prosecutors indicated that the charges point to repeated abuse involving multiple children over several years.

The accused remains in pre-trial detention in Potsdam pending further court proceedings.

The case has triggered renewed debate in Germany over child protection procedures in hospitals and medical institutions, particularly within paediatric departments where doctors routinely conduct sensitive examinations on minors.

In response to the allegations, Havelland Kliniken expressed shock and said it was cooperating fully with investigators.

Child protection advocates and healthcare experts have also renewed calls for stricter safeguards during medical examinations involving minors, including the wider enforcement of policies requiring another staff member or guardian to be present during consultations.

The case has now been forwarded to the regional court in Potsdam, which will determine whether the matter proceeds to full trial.

If convicted, the paediatrician could face a lengthy prison sentence and permanent loss of his medical licence.

German authorities have urged anyone with relevant information or possible additional victims connected to the affected clinics to contact investigators as the inquiry continues.