Trial in Essen: Four Germans charged over alleged incident in Mallorca

Four defendants from Germany on trial after incident in Mallorca

What began as a boisterous group trip has now had serious consequences for all involved: a trial against four men accused of a serious sexual offense on Mallorca has been underway at the Essen Regional Court since Tuesday.

According to the prosecution, the incident occurred at the end of August 2024 in a hotel in El Arenal. The alleged victim, a 41-year-old man, had been heavily intoxicated after a night out together at bars on the Playa and had apparently withdrawn to his room alone. Shortly afterwards, four friends are said to have gained access to his room.

Confessions and silence

Three of the accused admitted parts of the allegations at the start of the trial. One defendant remained silent on the charges. According to investigators, the men come from the Ruhr area—named locations include Dorsten and Gelsenkirchen—and are between 18 and 50 years old. A 37-year-old is being investigated as the main defendant.

The public prosecutor alleges that they inserted a plastic bottle filled with water into the clearly intoxicated friend's anus. Parts of the group are said to have filmed the incident. Such allegations are serious crimes, which are regarded as particularly grave in both countries—Spain and Germany.

Why the trial is being held in Germany

Normally proceedings take place at the location where the act occurred. In this case, however, the trial is being held in Essen. This is possible when certain legal conditions are met: it is decisive that the act is punishable under both legal systems and that rules on jurisdiction apply. If convicted, the defendants face several years in prison.

The trial is planned to continue over several dates; after today's opening, further hearing days are scheduled. A verdict is currently expected in mid-January.

From holiday to the courtroom

Those who stay briefly here should not only think of partying holidaymakers. The balance between carefreeness and responsibility is fragile. In many hotels on the Playa de Palma, reception desks and room keys are busy in the evenings—and sometimes the fine print is overlooked. For the victim and the relatives of the accused, such an incident often marks the beginning of a long, burdensome process.

The investigations are ongoing. The court intends to examine further witnesses and evidence before reaching a final decision.

Important note: In court proceedings, the presumption of innocence and the protection of personal data apply until a final, legally binding decision is made.