The "cross-think" initiator Ballweg must appear in court from October
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the "Querdenken" movement has gained significant traction, receiving over a million euros in donations from thousands of donors. However, the initiator of the movement, Michael Ballweg, is alleged to have misappropriated these funds, and his trial is set to begin on October 2.
The trial against "Querdenken" initiator Michael Ballweg for attempted fraud in 9,450 cases will commence on October 2 at the Stuttgart Regional Court. Initially, over 30 trial days have been scheduled until the end of April next year before the Economic Crime Chamber. According to earlier statements by the public prosecutor's office, Ballweg allegedly raised over a million euros in donations for the organization through public appeals, but misled donors about the use of the funds. Ballweg has consistently denied these allegations. His lawyer, Reinhard Löffler, stated that the defense believes the allegations are unfounded and that the trial will confirm this.
Ballweg was taken into custody in June 2022 at the Stuttgart-Stammheim prison but was later released in April 2023. The Regional Court initially did not allow the indictment for attempted fraud, but the Higher Regional Court of Stuttgart overturned this decision, leading to the current trial. The charge of money laundering has been permanently dropped.
Allegation of Tax Evasion
Ballweg also faces charges of tax evasion. The allegation is that in 2020, Ballweg earned over 700,000 euros in taxable income and over 300,000 euros through a limited liability company, but did not pay taxes on this money.
The "Querdenken" movement, which originated in Stuttgart, has held numerous public demonstrations in many German cities against political measures to contain the virus, sometimes resulting in attacks on police officers and journalists.
Four years after the first major demonstration of the "Querdenken" movement in Berlin, thousands of protesters took to the streets of the capital again this weekend. Some participants waved flags with doves, while others demanded "an accounting of the corona measures" and "consequences for those responsible." Ballweg was the organizer of the demonstration.
In August 2020, around 20,000 people participated in a "Querdenker" demonstration in Berlin against the then-current corona measures, according to police estimates, while the organizers claimed the number was much higher.
The defense firmly believes that the allegations of misappropriation against Michael Ballweg are unfounded and that justice will be served during his trial for attempted fraud. Despite facing charges of tax evasion, Ballweg maintains his innocence and is eager to clear his name in court.
