The German Defense Minister pledges to uncover all the circumstances of shocking violations that occurred in an army unit related to sexual abuse and drug use.

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius pledged to uncover the circumstances of the abuses that soldiers in the 1st Medical Regiment in the city of Weissenfels in the state of Saxony-Anhalt were likely to have committed.

On the sidelines of a visit to the Greek island of Crete, Pistorius said today, Wednesday (October 14, 2026), “The matter is still about accusations, and if they are proven true, it would be disgusting.” The minister, who belongs to the Social Democratic Party, added: “We will do our best to arrest every perpetrator of these acts and impose a fair punishment on him, while at the same time providing better protection for those affected.”

The German Ministry of Defense confirmed the opening of investigations into possible violations. The German editorial network "Deutschland", quoting the Commander of the Central Medical Service in the German Army, Officer Doctor Ralph Hofmann, reported that the investigations relate to suspicions of drug trafficking, threats and sexual abuse by some of the highest-ranking officials. The network pointed out that the total number of defendants in this case is 10 people.

Pistorius expressed his regret at the repeated occurrence of violations within the German armed forces, and said, "I also do not know whether we can put an end to these matters once and for all. But what we must do in each individual case is to use all available means to punish the perpetrators of these acts, as well as those who cover them up and do not report them or pursue them. This is our shared responsibility, based on the spirit of fellowship within the armed forces, and out of concern for the reliability of the forces and the security of all the soldiers, women and men working in them."

Investigations and punitive measures

According to a report by Der Spiegel magazine, there is an investigation into suspicions that soldiers from the 1st Army Medical Regiment in the city of Weissenfels were competing with each other to see who could have sexual relations with a greater number of female soldiers or members of the unit. The magazine reported that the Deputy Inspector General of the German Armed Forces, Nicole Schilling, and the Commander of the Central Medical Service in the German Army, General Doctor Ralph Hofmann, briefed the Defense Committee in the German Parliament on the results of the internal investigations in this regard on Wednesday.

According to the report, investigations are currently focused on ten defendants. The military is also investigating allegations of substance abuse, intimidation, and suppression of complaints.

Der Spiegel magazine reports that one of the victims, who is believed to have been pressured to have sex, was a minor at the time of the incident.

Volunteers for military service can join the German army before reaching the age of eighteen with the approval of their guardians, provided that training in the use of weapons is postponed until they reach the age of majority.

According to the report, the army has already taken preliminary measures. Nine individuals were issued a decision preventing them from entering the Saxony-Anhalt barracks. In seven cases, a ban was imposed on practicing service and wearing military uniform.

The army opened disciplinary proceedings against eight soldiers, and one of these cases was referred to the prosecutor responsible for military disciplinary cases. So far, investigators have been able to identify about a dozen people believed to be those affected in the case.

Edited by: Salah Sharara