44th Day of Trial – Ballweg Acquitted, Prosecution Fails on Central Allegations

Of the original accusations, which included alleged personal enrichment, systematic deception of supporters, money laundering, and large-scale tax evasion, only a trivial amount of €19.53 remained. This resulted from two minor cases of input VAT involving a dog mat and a perfume spray bottle.

“The prosecution sent an elephant into the race – and all that came out was a speck,” commented Dr. Reinhard Löffler (CDU), one of Ballweg’s four defense attorneys.

No Conviction Based on the Indictment

As attorney Ralf Ludwig emphasized, Michael Ballweg was acquitted on all counts included in the indictment. The minor tax deviation was discovered by the court itself during the proceedings, not by the investigative authorities. It did not lead to a penalty, but merely to a formal warning.

According to the verdict, Ballweg will receive full compensation for his nine-month pre-trial detention, the asset freeze, and the continued arrest warrant.

“Now we’re moving to civil court – we will hold the state of Baden-Württemberg accountable for this political trial,” announced Ludwig.

Rule of Law Put to the Test

All four defense attorneys – Dr. Reinhard Löffler, Gregor Samimi, Ralf Ludwig, and Hans Böhme – harshly criticized the prosecution’s approach. This was especially clear regarding the central accusation that Ballweg enriched himself through donations to the movement. The court completely rejected this narrative.

“Nothing remains of the €575,000. This was a political trial – and it has failed.” (Hans Böhme)

Michael Ballweg used his final statement to emphasize the political nature of the case and to thank his supporters:

“I thank everyone who stood by me. This trial is over. I want to take this opportunity to remember all those who are still facing politically motivated legal repression for defending fundamental rights.”

Defense Announces Appeal Against the Warning

Despite the extensive acquittal, Ballweg and his legal team announced on August 4, 2025, that they would appeal the part of the verdict involving the warning. Attorney Ralf Ludwig justified this step with fundamental criticism of the court’s legal interpretation:

“All charges brought by the prosecution in March 2023 were fully disproven by the court. What remains is only a warning over alleged tax evasion of €19.53 and an attempted tax evasion in a comparable amount – related to VAT, corporate, and trade taxes.”

Ludwig emphasized that the court’s reasoning relied on a legal interpretation that, in the defense’s view, contradicts German tax law. The defense also wants to send a message:

“We have to be vigilant that the state does not start criminalizing people through tax law or anti-money laundering regulations – just because they criticize the government.”

Next Steps: Legal Action Against the Finance Ministry

Following the acquittal, Ballweg announced a new lawsuit against the Finance Ministry. The ministry continues to claim that demonstrations represent a business model – a narrative the defense considers unconstitutional.

“Treating donations for protests as business revenue undermines the right to freedom of assembly.”

Ballweg also announced a podcast to provide legal analysis of the case.