Berlin prosecutors seek 13 years and preventive detention in drugging and rape trial
Prosecutors made their closing arguments in the trial of a 69-year-old man in Berlin. The defense asked for more time and will plead on Oct. 28.
Symbolic image · Photo: Gerd Eichmann / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0 (cropped and resized)
Prosecutors at Berlin's regional court on Wednesday demanded 13 years in prison followed by preventive detention for a 69-year-old electrician. Lawyers for the co-plaintiffs largely backed the demand. The man is charged with 22 offenses against 14 women between 2016 and 2022. He is accused of meeting them through dating platforms, drugging them in his apartment, raping them and filming the assaults. At the start of the trial he admitted the rapes through his lawyer.
The defense said it was not ready to deliver its closing argument and asked for more time; it is now scheduled for Oct. 28. It is unclear whether a verdict will follow the same day. The closing arguments were held behind closed doors. Investigators are also looking into further alleged offenses involving 44 women. The defendant is presumed innocent until a final verdict.