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German Prosecutors Drop 65 of 67 Alleged Rape Cases After Victim Finds 67 Videos

The decision highlights how Germany’s statute of limitations leaves most alleged historical sexual assaults unprosecutable and only two incidents will go to trial.

Overview

  • Claudia Wuttke says she discovered 67 videos showing years of drugging, rape and filming by her ex-partner after police contacted her in June 2025.
  • Prosecutors have discontinued 65 of the 67 investigations because the alleged crimes fall outside Germany’s usual five-year statute of limitations for rape.
  • Two incidents will be prosecuted: one recorded in 2021 that falls within the five-year window and one involving a baseball bat that qualifies as a 'dangerous instrument' and triggers a longer limitation period.
  • Wuttke says she believes she was drugged and unaware of the abuse but cannot now produce physical evidence for older incidents because traces have long since vanished.
  • The case has prompted public debate and scrutiny of Germany’s time limits for sexual offences and officials say legal and investigative steps are under review as a first court hearing for the two charges is expected soon.