Doctor's Sentence Increased Following Conviction for Sexual Assaults

Christian Abi-Khalil's prison sentence increased to eight years due to severe sexual assault convictions.

Key Points

  • • Abi-Khalil's sentence raised from seven to eight years by Svea Court of Appeal.
  • • Convicted of eight counts of sexual assault and two counts of rape.
  • • The court noted the severe breach of trust in the doctor-patient relationship.
  • • Abi-Khalil denies the charges, asserting his actions were medically justified.

In a significant legal ruling, the Svea Court of Appeal has increased the sentence of 39-year-old doctor Christian Abi-Khalil from seven to eight years in prison for his convictions of sexual assault and rape against patients. The court emphasized the severity of the crimes, which occurred between 2021 and 2024, due to the violation of trust inherent in the doctor-patient relationship. Abi-Khalil was found guilty of eight counts of sexual assault and two counts of rape, with the court classifying all incidents as rape. The case came to light after a patient reported discomfort during a medical visit in Uppsala, leading to an investigation that uncovered multiple instances of misconduct during examinations. Despite the ruling, Abi-Khalil maintains his innocence, arguing that his actions were warranted by medical necessity, and plans to further appeal the decision. His lawyer, Anders Sjögren, criticized the ruling for its supposed flaws, indicating that the legal battle is not over.