Leading Czech psychiatrist accused of sexual abuse

One of the country’s most prominent psychiatrists, Jan Cimický, is being investigated on suspicion of sexual abuse.

Singer and actress Jana Fabiánová claims she was sexually assaulted by the doctor when she was his patient, saying it took her years to get over the trauma. The revelation brought similar testimonies from several other former patients, as well as Czech TV presenter Martina Hynková Vrbová, who worked with Cimický twenty years ago on a show aimed at destigmatising mental illnesses.

Cimický, who is to receive a high state distinction from President Miloš Zeman for helping to advance Czech psychiatry, has denied the accusations.

Outgoing Prime Minister Andrej Babiš said he was shocked by the revelations, telling Deník N that Cimický should be crossed of the list of laureates until he had cleared his name.