started · updated
Potsdam court begins trial of pediatrician for mass sexual abuse
A trial has commenced at the Potsdam Regional Court against a 46-year-old pediatrician accused of sexually abusing more than 70 children and adolescents. The defendant is facing charges of over 130 criminal offenses occurring between December 2013 and November 2025.
At the start of the proceedings, the accused confessed to nearly all the alleged crimes, stating, “I have taken on great guilt.” He indicated that his confession was intended to spare the victims from having to testify in court. Prosecutors allege the doctor exploited his professional relationship with patients, performing unnecessary examinations and committing acts in patient rooms, medical duty apartments, and daycare centers.
The investigation was triggered in November 2025 after a mother filed a report regarding an incident at a clinic in Rathenow. Subsequent analysis of seized digital media revealed the vast scale of the abuse, which involved victims aged between 2 and 20 years old. The doctor was previously employed by Havelland Kliniken GmbH and worked at facilities in Nauen and Rathenow.
Entities
Germany · Havelland Kliniken · Havelland Kliniken GmbH · Jenny Barthel · Nauen · Potsdam Regional Court · Rathenow
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 10 SOURCES] More than 70 children and adolescents were allegedly victims. berliner-abendblatt.de · www.focus.de · www.nordbayern.de · newscentraltv.com · www.hertener-allgemeine.de · +5 more
- [● 7 SOURCES] The alleged crimes occurred between December 2013 and November 2025. berliner-abendblatt.de · www.focus.de · newscentraltv.com · www.ikz-online.de · www.senenews.com · +2 more
- [● 8 SOURCES] The defendant confessed to nearly all the crimes at the start of the trial. www.focus.de · www.nordbayern.de · www.hertener-allgemeine.de · www.ikz-online.de · www.senenews.com · +3 more
- [● 5 SOURCES] The doctor allegedly took photos and videos of the sexual acts. www.focus.de · www.nordbayern.de · www.hertener-allgemeine.de · www.ikz-online.de · www.senenews.com
- [● 10 SOURCES] The defendant is accused of 130 criminal offenses. berliner-abendblatt.de · www.focus.de · www.nordbayern.de · newscentraltv.com · www.hertener-allgemeine.de · +5 more
- [● 4 SOURCES] The investigation began after a mother filed a report in November 2025. berliner-abendblatt.de · newscentraltv.com · www.ikz-online.de · www.senenews.com
- [● 5 SOURCES] The doctor was employed at Havelland Kliniken GmbH until 2025. berliner-abendblatt.de · www.focus.de · www.hertener-allgemeine.de · www.ikz-online.de · www.wz.de
- [● 10 SOURCES] A 46-year-old pediatrician is on trial at the Potsdam Regional Court. berliner-abendblatt.de · www.focus.de · www.nordbayern.de · newscentraltv.com · www.hertener-allgemeine.de · +5 more