German paedophile suspect dies in Ugandan jail

A German man facing child sex abuse and trafficking allegations has died in prison in Uganda's capital, Kampala

Bernhard Glaser, who was suffering from skin cancer, had been granted bail and leave to travel for treatment by Uganda's High Court on Wednesday.

But his lawyer says he had to remain in detention as he tried to raise more than $7,500 (£6,000) for the bail.

Asia Namusoke, a social worker who has supported some of the girls accusing Mr Glaser of sexual abuse, said his death was very unfortunate as it would not give them "an opportunity to access justice".

Mr Glaser was remanded in custody in February last year to await trial for several counts of aggravated child sex abuse, human trafficking and indecent assault.

The crimes are alleged to have been committed at a children’s home he set up with his wife on Kalangala Island in Lake Victoria.

Mr Glaser had previously been arrested in 2013 for similar crimes committed against two minors, but the case was dismissed for lack of evidence.

He was carried into court on a stretcher for the hearing:

Suspected German child molester granted bail due to ill health. The 73-year-old was released to enable him to travel to Belgium for #cancer treatment. He's facing charges incl. #childtrafficking, #defilement, #sextourism https://t.co/suUB7AVqrf #Uganda children pic.twitter.com/wRZhGxo8m9

— The Observer (@observerug) May 6, 2020