42nd Day of Trial – Judge Can't Remember, Court Wants to Dismiss, Prosecutors Block

Money Laundering Report Politically Tainted

The chairman of Volksbank am Württemberg testified that a suspicious activity report (SAR) for money laundering had been filed against Michael Ballweg – explicitly referencing his role as founder of QUERDENKEN-711. Although this had no connection to the alleged offense, it was explicitly included. The defense considers this an example of political prejudice.

Judge Without Memory

Most shocking was the testimony of Judge Dr. Berger, who led a detention review in November 2022. During the hearing, Ballweg was handcuffed to a table for over five hours – a measure Berger saw no reason to question. He claimed he remembered nothing: not the restraints, not Ballweg’s requests to remove them, not a later motion for recusal, nor a related criminal complaint.

“I wasn’t responsible for the restraints – that’s up to the court officers.”

For Ballweg and his defense, the measure was clearly humiliating – and politically motivated.

Court Proposes Dismissal Under § 153a

The presiding judge again proposed a dismissal under § 153a, involving a fine of between €2,000 and €4,000. Importantly, waiving compensation for the 279 days of pretrial detention was not part of this proposal.

Despite the weakening of the allegations, the prosecution rejected the offer. Attorney Dr. Reinhard Löffler remarked:

“From thousands of alleged fraud cases, only a grain of sand remains. Yet even now, the prosecution clings to appeals rather than closure.”

The defense remains determined: the goal is full acquittal.

Outlook: Closing Arguments July 22, Verdict Possible July 31

The next hearing is set for Tuesday, July 22, 2025. According to the court, closing arguments may begin that day. A verdict could be reached as early as July 31, 2025.