Overview

• Wilfried Fesselmann, 56, has initiated a civil lawsuit against the Diocese of Essen, alleging sexual abuse by a priest in 1979 when he was 11 years old.
• The diocese has voluntarily waived the statute of limitations, enabling the court to hear the case despite the passage of decades.
• The accused priest, linked to at least 28 cases of sexual abuse, was present in court and faced public criticism from other survivors and advocates.
• Fesselmann argues the abuse caused severe psychological and financial harm, including 24 years of unemployment, and is seeking compensation of at least 300,000 euros.
• The case follows a 2023 Cologne court ruling that awarded 300,000 euros to another victim, setting a significant precedent for compensation in clerical abuse cases.