The criminal court of Bas-Rhin sentenced a 37-year-old osteopath on Wednesday to 17 years in prison for rape and sexual assault committed against 29 patients. The man, who practiced in an office located in Eschau, near Strasbourg, was also permanently banned from practicing his profession.
During the trial, the accused maintained that the alleged acts were part of a therapeutic approach. However, the judges did not accept this version of events. The victims described consultations during which the practitioner touched them inappropriately or penetrated them without their consent, taking advantage of the relationship of trust inherent in his medical practice.
Converging testimonies during the investigation
The case emerged following several reports, including a rape complaint filed in 2020 that allowed investigators to identify numerous other alleged victims. According to the prosecution, the accounts gathered revealed a recurring pattern. Experts appointed to the case also described a personality marked by strong narcissism and a tendency to flout the rules.
Following the hearing, several plaintiffs welcomed the court's decision, which they considered a recognition of their testimony. The defense, however, announced its intention to appeal the conviction. The former osteopath, who had been appearing in court while free on bail since the start of the trial, was imprisoned after the verdict.
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