Defense Team Statement: Michael Ballweg

Press Release from the Defense Team Regarding the 6th Day of the Trial in the Criminal Case Against Michael Ballweg – November 14, 2024

Michael Ballweg emphasized that the case appears to have been pursued by the tax investigation unit for political reasons. Particularly revealing was the testimony of a former tax officer from the Stuttgart tax office, who was responsible for Ballweg's income tax. She admitted that she rejected Ballweg's request for an extension to file his tax return from pretrial detention solely because the tax investigation unit instructed her to do so—despite the fact that the unit had no authority to issue such orders. This testimony sheds light on the internal processes and suggests that the case may have been deliberately constructed.

Attorney Ralf Ludwig stated: “The tax officer’s testimony makes it clear that the extension was deliberately denied to create the appearance of a crime. This is a serious procedural error that renders the tax case obsolete.” The denial of the extension and the continuation of the proceedings are in direct violation of the law—particularly because Michael Ballweg, due to his imprisonment and the seizure of his documents, was simply unable to submit his tax returns on time.

Attorney Gregor Samimi added: “It is shocking that the case has been advanced amid internal discrepancies and apparently without sufficient consultation. Furthermore, it became evident that Ballweg was informed about the investigation against him only belatedly—a fundamental right owed to every defendant, which was ignored here. This trial has repeatedly disregarded principles of the rule of law.”

The defense believes its suspicion is confirmed: the tax case is politically motivated, and the investigation was deliberately escalated. Notably, the investigator’s intense involvement in the search and arrest—despite unanimous testimony from all involved officials that no tax crime had been committed—stands out. Through its actions, the authority itself created the basis for the alleged offense.

The next hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. at the Stuttgart Regional Court.

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