A court spokesman announced this. Initially, trial dates have been scheduled until spring 2025. According to previous information from the public prosecutor’s office, Ballweg is said to have raised more than one million euros in donations for the organization through public appeals from thousands of people, but deceived the donors about how the money was being used.
Allegations rejected
Ballweg had always denied the allegations. He was released from custody in April 2023. His lawyer Reinhard Löffler said the defense was of the opinion that the allegations were unfounded. The proceedings would confirm this.
The criminal division of the regional court had initially not admitted the charge of attempted fraud. However, the Stuttgart Higher Regional Court upheld an appeal by the public prosecutor against the non-admission. The criminal proceedings are now being brought before the economic criminal division. The charge of money laundering has been finally dropped.
Suspicion of tax evasion
Ballweg also has to answer to the court on suspicion of tax evasion. The “lateral thinking” movement formed in Stuttgart in many German cities during the Corona pandemic. The supporters repeatedly demonstrated publicly against the political measures to contain the virus. There were also attacks on police officers and media representatives.
Four years after the first major demonstration of the “lateral thinking” movement in Berlin, several thousand demonstrators marched through the capital again this weekend. Some participants waved flags with the dove of peace. Others called on banners for a “review of the corona measures” and “consequences for those responsible”. The demonstration was registered by Ballweg.
