World · Europe · 4 hrs ago
Locarnese doctor held over alleged sexual offences against patients
A doctor in the Locarnese is in pretrial detention over alleged sexual offences involving patients.
The 61-year-old, who is of Italian origin, has been held for about three months while the investigation continues.
The inquiry began after a patient filed a complaint in early July, and investigators say the main suspected offence involves sexual acts with people unable to understand or resist.
Authorities have identified other possible victims, and a headline also reports suspected fraud, without giving details.
Four patients are reported to be involved, but the allegations have not been proven.
The doctor’s patients are temporarily without their usual medical provider, and doctors’ representatives have asked the cantonal medical office to release their records so other doctors can provide care.
Officials are working to make the medical files accessible, but say access to the practice is still being arranged.
A 61-year-old doctor who worked in the Locarnese is in pre-trial detention over alleged sexual offences involving female patients.
The investigation began after a patient filed a complaint in early July.
Authorities say the main allegation is sexual acts with people unable to understand or resist.
Investigators have identified other alleged victims, but the articles give no confirmed total.
Medical representatives and the cantonal medical officer are working to arrange access to patients’ clinical records.
- Who
- A 61-year-old doctor of Italian origin who worked in the Locarnese.
- What
- He is in pre-trial detention over alleged sexual offences involving patients. The main allegation is sexual acts with people unable to understand or resist.
- When
- The investigation began in early July. He had been in pre-trial detention for about three months as of October 16.
- Where
- At the doctor’s practice in the Locarnese, in Ticino, Switzerland.
- Why
- A patient filed a complaint alleging inappropriate sexual attention; investigators are examining suspected offences involving patients unable to understand or resist.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
A patient filed a complaint, prompting the investigation.
The cantonal medical officer said his office had been informed of the facts and was working to enable access to patients’ records.
Medical representatives formally asked the cantonal medical office to release the records so other doctors could care for the patients.
- Age
- 61
- Location
- Locarnese, Ticino
- Investigation began
- Early July
- Main allegation
- Sexual acts with people unable to understand or resist
- Pre-trial detention
- About three months as of October 16
- Reported number in headline
- Four patients
3 sources
What people are saying
We regret what happened. At the same time, we will take care of managing the medical records of patients who have temporarily been left without a doctor.
Since mid-September, that is, since we were informed of the facts, we have been working to enable access to the medical records.
It is terrible news, and we all ask that the investigation clarify the situation and any possible guilt without any reticence, so that our work, our commitment and our dedication are not tarnished.