HIV-infected man in court: rape to the clinic shakes Cologne!

HIV-infected man in court: rape to the clinic shakes Cologne!

On July 16, 2025, a process began before the 7th Grand Criminal Court of the Cologne Regional Court, which is hitting the High waves in the region. The focus is on two men, 37 and 35 years old who are accused of raping a woman in the closed station of the LVR Clinic in Cologne-Merheim. The crime is said to have taken place on October 19, 2024 when the men gave way to the woman in a friendly manner and offered her a tea or coffee before moving them into a lounge. Particularly frightening: one of the accused is HIV-positive and is said to have consciously accepted the woman. The second defendant filmed during the act.

A witness noticed the situation and heard the woman's calls for help, but the accused closed the door to hide the action. A forensic report from the State Criminal Police Office found sperm traces on the woman's surgical overall coach, which both men identified as common causers. During the trial, the accused did not comment on the allegations, but plan to comment in writing. The police officer, who appeared as a witness, reported that the woman was visibly frightened and said several times: "They fucked me."

The dimension of allegations

The indictment also includes rape, but also the accusation of attempted dangerous bodily harm. The exact background and the circumstances of the crime are examined in detail during the trial days scheduled until the end of October. The next day of the trial is scheduled for July 18, 2025, on which nurses, a doctor and the allegedly injured person should testify.

The link between HIV and sexual violence is a topic that plays a role not only in this case, but also worldwide. According to the website Medicusmundi.ch, women who experience sexual violence have one up to three times higher risk of infecting themselves with HIV. This is particularly dramatic in regions such as South Africa, where a woman is raped every eight minutes and over 20,000 children are affected annually.

social challenges

The fact that every third rapist HIV-positive is particularly alarming is, which further increases the risk of infection for the victims. This connection between sexual violence and HIV is rarely discussed openly, although it has a significant extent. Studies show that in the sub-Sahara region there was a quarter of all newly infected girls and women victims of sexual violence. In crisis areas, rape is often used as a weapon of war, which leads to even higher infection rates.

affected women experience not only direct violence, but also often discrimination in the health system. Mandatory HIV tests are often made a prerequisite for medical care, which is perceived as additional violence for many.

The juries in the Cologne district court face the challenge of not only clarifying the deeds, but also to consider the far -reaching social implications. It remains to be hoped that this process not only brings justice for those affected, but also contributes to the enlightenment about the serious relationships between sexual violence and HIV. It is time to talk about this topic more intensively and openly in society.