Overview
- The public prosecutor in Potsdam confirmed a formal criminal investigation and said a first review established an Anfangsverdacht, a legal threshold that lets investigators proceed on a suspicion of domestic physical violence.
- Authorities said the probe relates to multiple alleged incidents that reportedly took place in Spain in 2022 and 2023 and that allegations of so-called digital violence are being examined as part of the case.
- Collien Fernandes publicly disclosed her accusations in March and spoke in a televised interview about rebuilding trust, saying she can imagine a future relationship and urging that decent men speak up for equality.
- Christian Ulmen has not commented publicly and his lawyer has disputed key points, and the presumption of innocence applies as investigators gather evidence and determine next steps.
- The cross-border nature of the allegations means prosecutors may need cooperation with Spanish authorities for evidence and witness work, and the probe has personal consequences for Fernandes and her family as it proceeds.