27th Trial Day in the Case Against Michael Ballweg – Prosecutor Files Bias Motion Against the Court 

Outcome of the Legal Discussion: Collapsing Charges

The central issue of the trial day was the outcome of the legal discussion on March 12, 2025, in which the court presented its preliminary assessment of the case. The chamber indicated that the original allegations against Ballweg were largely unsustainable.

• The charges of attempted commercial fraud could not be proven.
• In the tax case, a possible discrepancy ranged between €0.60 and €2,118.
• The court proposed a dismissal of the case under § 153 (2) StPO (German Code of Criminal Procedure).

Prosecution’s Response: Bias Motion Against the Court

The prosecutor rejected the court’s proposal to dismiss the case and instead filed a bias motion against the entire chamber. One of the justifications given was that the large media presence in the courtroom was problematic for the prosecution.

Michael Ballweg commented: "I thought we lived in a country where trials are public. The prosecutor seems to have a different understanding of press freedom."

Attorney Dr. Reinhard Löffler described the motion as highly unusual: "It is extremely rare for a prosecutor to file a bias motion against an entire chamber. This shows just how unstable the prosecution’s case has become."

Witness Testimonies Confirm Financial Support for Protest Movement

Despite these legal developments, additional witnesses testified, confirming that they received financial support from Michael Ballweg for their work in the protest movement:

• €2,800 for an organizer of a demonstration in Weiden to cover financial losses.
• €750 for a logistics coordinator of an August 2021 protest to cover private costs.
• A police chief inspector testified that he secured assets from Ballweg’s safe—a safe whose existence had previously been denied by financial authorities.

Next Steps: What Happens Next?

The trial will continue on March 25, 2025, with further witness testimonies. It remains to be seen how the prosecution’s bias motion will impact the proceedings.

Michael Ballweg called on the public and media to continue monitoring the case closely: "I encourage as many people and journalists as possible to attend the next trial dates—this process must remain transparent."