Shock trial: 77-year-old in court for child abuse in Brazil

Shock trial: 77-year-old in court for child abuse in Brazil

On June 18, 2025, a trial began at the Munich I Regional Court that caused a stir among the public: a 77-year-old German must answer for dozens of counts of sexual abuse and rape of a child in Brazil. The defendant is said to have abused his wife's niece, who was taken from an orphanage, over a long period of time. In the first hearing, the focus was particularly on the disastrous background of the case: the girl's mother was temporarily in prison and showed little interest in her daughter. She even reportedly demanded money for the defendant's alleged actions, further adding to the seriousness of the allegations.

The exact atrocities the defendant is said to have committed are shocking. According to the prosecution, the girl was not only physically threatened but also beaten. A particularly shocking incident occurred when the defendant stuck a knife into the child's finger - this incident highlights the extent of the violence the girl suffered. The regional court has scheduled eight days of trial, with the possible verdict date falling on August 7, 2025. There is great expectation that this trial will not only clarify the guilt or innocence of the accused, but also open up further social discussions about the protection of children.

The legal framework and social relevance

In Germany, the issue of child sexual abuse is an urgent problem that has not yet been adequately addressed. According to the Commissioner for Child Sexual Abuse Issues, the actual figures are distorted by insufficient data. Police crime statistics for 2022 recorded 15,520 cases of child sexual abuse as well as a significant increase in the depiction of child pornography, rising from 21,868 cases in 2020 to 48,821 cases in 2022. These figures will often only represent the tip of the iceberg, as many incidents go unreported, leading to a large number of unreported cases.

Ongoing findings from various sources make it clear that society is required to do more to protect children. Whether through legal reforms, intensive prevention work or strengthening support services for affected families – there is a lot to do. The high number of depictions of abuse on the Internet shows that children and young people are at greater risk, which means that the topic should be in focus more than ever.

In the case of the 77-year-old defendant, the judiciary is now called upon to shed light on the matter and hold those responsible accountable. Social attention could help focus much-needed conversations about protecting children. A goal that we should all share.