Justice - Flyer-Affair: Investigations against ex-teacher initiated
The Public Prosecutor's Office in Regensburg has discontinued the investigation against a former teacher in connection with the "Flugblatt-Affair" regarding Bavaria's Economy Minister Hubert Aiwanger (Free Voters). No evidence could be established, the prosecutor's office stated. There were neither witnesses nor other evidence that the accused had provided information to the "Süddeutsche Zeitung."
The "Flugblatt-Affair" was brought to light by a report in the newspaper last summer. It concerned an antisemitic and contemptuous leaflet that was found at the Free Voters' chief Aiwanger's school days. Aiwanger was heavily criticized in the affair. His brother confessed shortly thereafter that he had written the pamphlet.
Several media reported at the time that a former teacher was supposed to have passed on the leaflet. Several criminal complaints were filed with the Prosecutor's Office regarding the violation of professional and private secrets.
The accused invoked the right to remain silent.
Reports in the "Süddeutsche Zeitung" indicated that there had been contacts between the accused and employees, according to the Prosecutor's Office. "What communication in detail took place and whether privileged information was passed on here is, however, not provable." The newspaper made no statements for reasons of editorial secrecy and source protection. The accused refused to make a statement.
It is possible that the newspaper learned of the leaflet from a student work that reproduced it in 1988/1989, the Prosecutor's Office added. The former teacher, according to their statements, did not personally teach Hubert Aiwanger and his brother.
- Despite the public prosecutor's discontinuation of the investigation against the former teacher in Regensburg, questions about criminality in this case remain unanswered within the context of Germany and Bavaria.
- The State parliament in Bavaria has called for an inquiry into the handling of the "Flugblatt-Affair" by the Public Prosecutor's Office, demanding justice for potential victims of professional and private secrets violation.
- Hubert Aiwanger, a prominent figure in the Free Voters party, expressed his determination to fight against any form of criminality and protect the public interest.
- Critics argue that the Public Prosecutor's Office in Regensburg's decision to discontinue the investigation against the former teacher may have been influenced by political considerations, given the high-profile nature of Aiwanger's case.
- The accused teacher's alleged actions raised concerns about the integrity of education and the profession, with calls for stronger safeguards to ensure teachers uphold ethical standards and protect the sensitive information of their students and colleagues.
- The Public Prosecutor's Office, however, reiterated that the lack of witness testimony and concrete evidence prevented them from pursuing the case further against the former teacher.
- On a broader scale, this incident highlights the importance of transparency, accountability, and the upholding of journalistic ethics in public discourse and political controversies in Germany and beyond.
