— At a German Waldorf school a teacher abuses his female students over many years systematically. Many knew about it - and staid silent. 

Written by Madeleine Londene for ZEIT Verbrechen, 2022

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2002 - Marita is 6 years old, student at a Waldorf school in Germany. Her teacher, Andreas S., will accompany her over the next 8 years of her life like it's usual for Waldorf schools. In her school reports he writes "I believe in you, Marita!". One day, Andreas S. calls Maritas mother and tells her, Marita will stay away longer this evening at the children circus, which S. founded. The family lives close to the school, Marita's mother believes the teacher who cares so much about the children, is known as the "good guy". 

The next morning she tells her sister about what happened the night before. The girls decide to not tell anyone. Years pass, Marita doesn't tell anybody about what her teacher did. She is 14 years old, dyes her hair black, wears a mohawk. when she confides in a friend. Another 10 years later her best friend sends her a newspaper article about a teacher who is accused to have abused two female students. The public prosecution is searching for other victims. This will be the moment when Marita decides to break her silence. She tells her story at the police office, many other young women follow. 

During the trial, the extent of his crime is revealed. How he systematically abused his female students, how his environment has remained silent for years, because he was the "good one".

Marita is happy today she raised her voice and didn't stay silent.

ZEIT Verbrechen— 2022 - photography — Paulina Hildesheim - photo editor — Chantal Seitz - author­ — Madeleine Londene