In the so-called Fretterode trial before the Mühlhausen Regional Court (case number: 3 KLs 101 Js 47753/18 jug), the closing arguments of the prosecution and the co-plaintiffs are expected next Thursday, August 25, 2022. This brings the trial closer to the anticipated verdict by the court on September 7, 2022 – the anniversary of the start of the trial.
The closing arguments are preceded by the taking of evidence over 29 days of hearings so far, in which the attack on two specialist journalists by neo-Nazis on April 29, 2018 in and around Fretterode was extensively examined (see, for example, press release of October 6, 2021 and press release of October 3, 2022).
Further dates: September 2, 2022 (Closing arguments of the defense) – September 7, 2022 – (Decision announcement)
Background:
Two journalists from Göttingen were in the town of Fretterode at the end of April 2018 for research purposes when they were spotted by individuals from the far-right spectrum. As they attempted to leave in their car, they were pursued by two people in a black BMW. A chase ensued along the country road and through the towns of Fretterode and Germershausen. The journalists were caught by their pursuers at the entrance to Hohengandern. After the journalists' car came to a stop in a ditch, the two right-wing extremists first attacked the car and then the occupants with a baseball bat, a knife, a 40-50 cm long wrench, and pepper spray. The photographer suffered, among other injuries, a stab wound to the thigh. His companion was struck on the head with the heavy wrench, suffering a fractured skull and a laceration. The car's windows were smashed, the rear tires were punctured, and the photographer's camera and camera bag were stolen. The perpetrators then fled in the black BMW. At the request of the seriously injured victims, local residents were able to call emergency services and the police.
The photographer was able to take photos of one of the perpetrators from his own vehicle. The SD card containing these photos did not fall into the hands of the neo-Nazis and has been handed over to the investigating authorities.
ra sven adam – kontakt@anwaltskanzlei-adam.de – http://www.anwaltskanzlei-adam.de
Rasmus Kahlen – kontakt@anwaltskanzlei-kahlen.de – http://www.anwaltskanzlei-kahlen.de
