Munich, February 16, 2026 – A 78-year-old naturopath, Hans O., has been acquitted by the Munich District Court of allegations of sexual assault. The charges stemmed from an incident involving a 61-year-old woman, Elisabeth R. (name changed), who claimed the naturopath touched her in intimate areas during a massage session. The judge, Stefan Vollath, cited significant contradictions in the woman’s testimony, leading to substantial doubts about the truthfulness of the accusations.
Background to the Allegations
The case originated from a newspaper advertisement placed by Hans O., seeking “test subjects for healing massages,” offering 100 euros for participation. Elisabeth R. responded to this advertisement last summer and scheduled an appointment at the naturopath’s practice in Munich. According to the prosecution, Hans O. allegedly exploited the treatment to sexually abuse the woman.
Elisabeth R. testified that upon entering the practice in June, she was surprised to find the masseur dressed in black rather than traditional white attire. She asked if he intended to perform a Chinese Tuina massage but received no response. She was then instructed to undress completely. Elisabeth R. stated she kept her underwear on, but Hans O. allegedly pulled them down, claiming they would be soiled with massage oil. She also stated that she had to explicitly request a towel to cover herself.
The accuser claimed that during the massage, Hans O.’s hands moved from her shoulders to her buttocks, into the gluteal fold, and later to her breasts and between her legs. “I was shocked and didn’t know what to do,” the 61-year-old recounted about the first touch to her bottom. She stated that she expressed her discomfort but later got up and left the practice. She reported that several people advised her to file a complaint. She also mentioned that during her initial phone contact, she had suggested her husband as a test subject, but the masseur declined.
Defense’s Argument and Court Proceedings
Hans O. chose not to comment on the allegations during the trial. However, his lawyer, Alexandra Markowitz, stated that an initial consultation had taken place where her client explained, using drawings, which points would be massaged. She also emphasized that the test subject was instructed to speak up if anything felt uncomfortable. “He would have stopped immediately,” Markowitz asserted. Furthermore, she stated that a towel is always used during such massages, and “intimate areas are not touched.” The lawyer also highlighted that Elisabeth R. was treated for an hour and a half, received 100 euros, and initially stated that she found the massage pleasant.
Hans O., 78 years old and married, works primarily in finance and has been a naturopath since 1992. He did not disclose his net income during the proceedings.
Judge’s Decision and Reasoning
The public prosecutor had requested a probationary sentence of one year and six months for Hans O., while the defense sought an acquittal. Judge Stefan Vollath ultimately ruled in favor of acquittal, stating, “The witness’s statement was not sufficient to dispel remaining doubts.”
The judge pointed to inconsistencies in Elisabeth R.’s testimony. He noted that during her initial police statement, the woman had spoken of penetration, which she later downplayed. She was also unable to clarify whether the towel was covering her during the alleged abusive acts. Judge Vollath emphasized these contradictions, stating, “Given the, according to the witness, traumatizing experience, one should still remember such details.” He concluded, “I have massive doubts as to whether this happened as described.” The judge also remarked that if Hans O. had chosen this profession to touch women inappropriately, it would have been the first time in his 33 years as a naturopath.
Questions regarding why Hans O. sought “test subjects” after 33 years of practice or why Elisabeth R. would fabricate such accusations remained unanswered during the trial.
Implications and Broader Context
This case highlights the complexities of legal proceedings involving allegations of sexual assault, particularly when testimonies contain inconsistencies. The court’s decision underscores the principle that doubts in a witness’s statement can lead to acquittal, even in serious accusations.
The incident also brings attention to the regulations and ethical considerations within the naturopathic profession, especially concerning patient consent and appropriate conduct during treatments. While the court’s verdict focuses on the specific details of this case, it contributes to the broader discourse on patient safety and professional accountability in alternative medicine practices.
The outcome of this trial may prompt further discussions within the naturopathic community regarding guidelines for patient interactions and the handling of sensitive procedures.
