Ofarim trial: Star of David was not visible in the hotel
In the trial against the Jewish musician Gil Ofarim for defamation and false accusations, an expert witness has refuted an important statement made by the artist. From entering the lobby to leaving the hotel, no chain with a Star of David was visible, said forensic expert Dirk Labudde on Wednesday at Leipzig Regional Court.
At the beginning of October 2021, the musician made serious accusations of anti-Semitism against a manager of the Leipzig hotel in an Instagram video. According to the singer, the man allegedly said that Ofarim should take off his Star of David and only then would he be allowed to check in. However, after extensive investigations by the public prosecutor's office, Ofarim himself was charged. The case against the hotel manager was dropped.
According to the expert, the chain with the Star of David was only recognizable when Ofarim recorded the Instagram video outside the hotel. The digital forensic expert had analyzed the surveillance camera footage in an extensive process. The expert's statements will continue on Thursday. This will also involve the behavior of those involved in the hotel lobby.
Despite the serious allegations made by Gil Ofarim, the forensic expert testified that there was no visible Star of David chain on him throughout the entire process of entering and leaving the hotel. In contrast, during the recording of the Instagram video outside the hotel, the Star of David became noticeable due to the expert's analysis of the surveillance footage.
Source: www.dpa.com
