Patrick Syuebing and his younger sister, Susan Karolewski, were reunited after more than twenty years of being in foster care in East Germany. Initially separated due to an attack by their father, the siblings later shared a bedroom following their mother’s passing in December 2000. Their relationship resulted in the birth of four children, two of whom have disabilities. In 2001, they challenged Germany’s incest laws and escalated the case to the European Court of Human Rights in 2012.
During this period, Patrick served two prison terms for incest-related offenses, expressing no remorse for his actions. The siblings advocated for abolishing incest laws, emphasizing their belief that their relationship was consensual. Despite a prior relationship with another woman, Patrick defended their actions, claiming ignorance of the illegality and asserting their right to decide for themselves.
Susan also defended their relationship, highlighting that they did not grow up together. She stated that their love was genuine and developed as adults. Patrick underwent sterilization to avoid further imprisonment, asserting their commitment to each other. Their lawyer argued against the prohibition, citing greater risks in other scenarios involving disabled individuals or older women having children.
Germany’s ban on incest traces back to Nazi-era laws and remains illegal in several countries, including the UK, France, Denmark, Zimbabwe, and Malaysia. In contrast, countries like Afghanistan, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Nigeria impose severe penalties, including death, for incestuous relationships.
