Landmark Trial Begins for 'Alice in Wonderland' Child Pornography Platform
A landmark trial has begun in Mönchengladbach, with five individuals accused of running a massive child pornography platform, 'Alice in Wonderland'. The platform, shut down in 2024, had tens of thousands of users and millions of abusive images, including those of babies. Proceedings have been initiated against 560 users nationwide, with three suspects in NRW already convicted.
The trial against the alleged masterminds started at the regional court. The defendants, aged 44 to 63, are accused of acting as moderators or administrators since 2019. One defendant, Issa al H., confessed on the first day, expressing regret for the victims' suffering. Three other defendants also confessed, though their names are not known. The platform facilitated contacts between users to arrange meetings for child sexual abuse. Around 75,000 image files were found in the apartment of one of the defendants. Extensive evidence was secured during raids in six federal states after the platform's shutdown in September 2024.
The prosecution accuses the defendants of distributing and possessing child pornography on a large scale. The German Children's Fund has praised the authorities' efforts in combating such platforms. The trial continues, with the defendants facing severe penalties if found guilty.
