Hartmut Ebbing faces abuse allegations

Hartmut Ebbing, a former member of the German Bundestag representing the Free Democratic Party and a former treasurer of the German-Israeli Society, is facing legal proceedings in Germany over allegations of sexual abuse of a minor in 2021.

The case has drawn attention after a German court approved a request to conduct the trial behind closed doors. The decision restricted public and media access to the proceedings under provisions allowing privacy measures in sensitive cases.

According to reported details of the case, Ebbing is accused of sexually abusing a seven-year-old child. Prosecutors stated the alleged incident occurred during a visit to a private residence. Ebbing has denied the allegations.

Reports indicate that the request to exclude the public referenced potential reputational impact related to Ebbing’s association with the German-Israeli Society. The court granted the request within the framework of German legal procedures governing trial access.

Ebbing had previously been convicted in a separate case involving the possession and distribution of child pornography. That conviction resulted in a suspended sentence under German law.