German court jails man for drugging and raping wife, sharing videos online

A court in Aachen, western Germany, has sentenced a 61-year-old man to eight-and-a-half years in prison after he repeatedly drugged his wife, raped her, and posted recordings of the assaults online.

The defendant, identified only as Fernando P under privacy rules, was convicted of aggravated rape, serious bodily harm, and violation of personal privacy. The abuse is alleged to have taken place at their home over several years from 2018 to 2024.

The court said he also filmed the assaults and uploaded the videos to chat groups and online platforms, making them accessible to other users, according to court spokesperson Katharina Effert.

Much of the trial was held behind closed doors to protect the survivor's identity. Her attorney, Nicole Servaty, said the victim had a seat at the table, could testify, and express her feelings, a step toward processing what happened, even though the verdict cannot undo the harm.

The verdict remains open to appeal.

German media linked this case to a high-profile French case from last year in which a man drugged his wife and invited multiple men to assault her while she was unconscious. The woman, Gisèle, chose to make her experience public, gaining attention in the feminist movement. Domestic authorities note that such crimes most often affect women and are frequently committed within trusted relationships such as marriage or partnership.

The Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) reports that victims of crimes involving sedation and sexual abuse are predominantly women, and that these offenses often occur within families, couples, or close circles of friends.

Expert commentary: A legal analyst commented that digital evidence is increasingly decisive in abuse cases and that courts must protect survivors’ privacy while delivering justice. They added that online sharing of such material can intensify harm but also drive accountability.

In summary, the Aachen ruling highlights the severity of violence inside intimate relationships and the role of evidence gathered online in securing convictions, while acknowledging the ongoing appeal process.

Key takeaway: Digital evidence and careful judicial handling are essential to uncover abuse within families, with a priority on protecting survivors’ privacy. BBC News

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