Masaka court rejects bail application by suspected German paedophile
Mr Bernhard Bery Glaser, a Kalangala-based German national accused of being a paedophile in the dock at Masaka High Court on May 9, 2019. PHOTO BY MALIK FAHAD JJINGO
What you need to know:
- Masaka Regional State Attorney Aisha Naluze told court that the state had made disclosures of the case which they thought was necessary for Glaser’s trial to start.
- Glaser was first arrested in December 2013 on suspicion of sexually abusing 19 minors under his care in Kalangala, central Uganda.
Masaka High Court has dismissed the bail application of Mr Bernhard Bery Glaser, a Kalangala-based German national accused of being a paedophile.
Mr Glaser, the director Ssese Humanitarian Service, an NGO located at Mwena landing site in Kalangala District is facing eight charges of aggravated defilement and 19 counts of aggravated child trafficking.
His lawyer Evans Ochieng told court on Thursday that they were not ready to proceed with the trial since the state attorney had not fully disclosed their case as directed by court the day before.
Mr Ochieng told court that they have a pending bail application, asking court to reinstate the bail to their client since the case arises from a matter which had been withdrawn.
He said, Mr Glaser, 71, had secured bail in 2015 after convincing court that he wanted to seek treatment abroad after he failed to get proper medical attention in prison.
However, Justice Winfred Nabisinde on Thursday said she had stayed the fresh bail application because court and the state were ready to proceed with Glaser’s trial.
Masaka Regional State Attorney Aisha Naluze told court that the state had made disclosures of the case which they thought was necessary for Glaser’s trial to start.
She further raised concern that if Glaser is granted bail, he may interfere with investigations. She then asked court to dismiss the bail application.
In her ruling, Justice Nabisinde adjourned the case to May 27, 2019 for hearing and also allow the state make full disclosure as it was ordered. Glaser was also sent back on remand.
Glaser was first arrested in December 2013 on suspicion of sexually abusing 19 minors under his care in Kalangala, central Uganda.
He was later acquitted by court after the state failed to get incriminating evidence against him.
In February this year, police detectives raided Glaser’s home in Kalangala and rescued at least 11 children in his care. Police did not find Glaser at his home at the time. He was arrested later when he presented himself at police.
