Notice: This press release has been automatically translated. Original German Version.
Defense Team Statement: Michael Ballweg
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."
Contact
All press inquiries are handled centrally by the press team of QUERDENKEN-711 and can be submitted via the official press form: https://711.is/presseanfrage
More press releases
- 26.11.2024 Press Release: Ninth Day of Trial in Michael Ballweg Case – Prison Director Sheds Light on Detention Conditions and Tax Challenges
- 24.11.2024 Press Release: Contradictions and Failures Mark the Eighth Day of the Michael Ballweg Trial
- 19.11.2024 Press Release on the Michael Ballweg Trial: Seventh Hearing Exposes Significant Contradictions
- 15.11.2024 Press Release from the Defense Team Regarding the 6th Day of the Trial in the Criminal Case Against Michael Ballweg – November 14, 2024
- 13.11.2024 Defense Team’s Press Release on the 5th Day of Michael Ballweg’s Criminal Trial – November 12, 2024
- 06.11.2024 Press Release on the 4th Day of Trial in the Criminal Case Against Michael Ballweg at the Stuttgart Regional Court