Trial Bern surgeon refuses to testify in court
The accused Bernese surgeon initially refused to testify before the Bern-Mittelland Regional Court on Friday morning. This means that the last day of an extensive week of proceedings is unlikely to end with any new findings.
16.01.2026, 08:59
16.01.2026, 09:00
SDA
"I'm not making a statement on this." This was the answer the former doctor initially gave to all the questions put to him by the court president. He thus exercised his right to refuse to testify, as his defense had announced at the beginning of the day.
Former back patients of the surgeon, his former assistant doctor and various experts had previously testified in the trial, which began on Monday.
The public prosecutor is accusing the surgeon of grievous bodily harm. They also accuse him of abandoning those affected.
The surgeon allegedly inserted immature intervertebral disc implants into several patients. He is presumed innocent. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for February 9.
