Overview
- Prosecutors have filed 204 counts, including one murder and five attempted murders, alleging the 21-year-old coerced minors online to harm themselves.
- More than 30 alleged victims are identified across several countries, with one U.S. boy’s suicide and five near-fatal attempts central to the case.
- The court will sift extensive digital evidence seized since 2023, including about 12 terabytes of data and hundreds of screen recordings, across 82 hearing days this year.
- Proceedings are before a youth chamber without public access because most alleged acts occurred when the defendant was a juvenile, which limits potential sentences under youth law.
- The defense reports he was beaten in custody during transfer to Hamburg, a claim authorities are reviewing, as they also contest what they call an “experimental” indictment.