A court in western Germany has convicted a man of repeatedly abusing his wife over several years after secretly drugging her and recording the crimes without her knowledge.
The accused, identified as Fernando P., a 61-year-old school janitor, was found guilty by a court in the city of Aachen. Judges ruled that he violated his wife’s personal rights by filming the abuse inside their home and later sharing the videos online.
The court sentenced him to eight years and six months in prison. Officials said the verdict can still be challenged through an appeal.
According to the court, the man committed multiple serious offences, including aggravated sexual assault and causing bodily harm. Judges stated that the crimes occurred over a period of several years and involved repeated secret sedation of the victim.
Prosecutors said the woman was unaware of the abuse at the time it took place, as she had been rendered unconscious. The recordings were later shared on internet platforms and in private online groups.
The court acquitted the man of some additional charges, though details of those counts were not made public.
The case has drawn attention across Germany, as it highlights legal and social concerns around consent and sexual violence. Campaigners say such cases expose gaps in existing laws, particularly when victims are unable to give or refuse consent.
Activist groups have renewed calls for changes to Germany’s consent laws, arguing that clearer standards are needed to better protect victims and hold offenders accountable. They are also urging lawmakers to criminalise the possession of abusive material, which remains legal under current German law.
Legal experts and campaigners described the Aachen ruling as an important step, while stressing that further reforms are still needed to prevent similar crimes and strengthen protections for victims.