Prague healthcare professional charged with 11 rapes, more victims expected

A 51-year-old physiotherapist has been charged with raping 11 female clients, with prosecutors revealing that the assaults took place between February 2023 and June 2024. The police believe there may be additional victims.

The man, who provided services in both Prague and Brno, was remanded into custody following the charges, according to a police spokesperson.

The alleged crimes, described as sexually motivated assaults, have drawn significant public attention. Authorities caution that the number of victims could increase as investigations continue.

The crime of rape, as defined under Czech law, involves forcing someone into sexual intercourse through violence, threats, or exploiting their defenselessness. Under current law, penalties range from six months to five years in prison, though the punishment increases for cases causing serious bodily harm.

A new law set to take effect in January will redefine rape to include non-consensual sexual intercourse, making non-verbal cues like defensive gestures or crying sufficient to establish lack of consent.

This case follows similar high-profile legal proceedings in Prague. Earlier this month psychiatrist Jan Cimický, who was sentenced to five years in prison for raping and extorting patients over several decades.

Cimický was sentenced after being found guilty of four counts of rape and 35 counts of extortion. The 76-year-old former doctor, who worked at the Bohnice Psychiatric Hospital and later at the Modra Laguna Mental Health Centre, was also banned from practicing for ten years.

Cimický’s case gained public attention three years ago when several women accused him of sexual misconduct following his receipt of a state decoration from then-President Miloš Zeman.

The case has sparked widespread outrage and continues to raise concerns about the abuse of power in medical professions.