In the bustling Cologne District Court, 62-year-old Thomas Drach, the infamous ex-kidnapper of tobacco heir Jan Philipp Reemtsma, causes a stir. Walking past his two defense attorneys with a chilly indifference, he seats himself in the dock, maintaining a respectable distance. The presiding judge observes the unusual situation, remarking dryly, "Ah, new seating arrangements."
Drach, on the 98th day of this trial, delivers a shocking statement. Two letters sent to the court request the dismissal of his defense lawyers, sparking a ripple of interest. In a scathing attack, Drach accuses one of his defenders of being "bought" by a senior public prosecutor and harboring romantic feelings for the public prosecutor's representatives. With unwavering conviction, Drach demands the dismissal of his defense attorneys and the immediate cessation of proceedings against him.
For months, this trial has been underway, with Drach facing charges for four robberies in Cologne, Frankfurt am Main, and Limburg in Hesse, as well as attempted murder due to a shooting incident that left two money carriers severely injured.
Drach's statement hints at a complex plot orchestrated by his former victim, Reemtsma, in a bid to target him. However, the staunch refusal of his defense attorneys to act against this perceived threat fuels his anger. Over the course of the trial, Drach has repeatedly claimed that Reemtsma has been pursuing him relentlessly, leveraging the support of government agencies like the Hamburg State Criminal Police Office.
The bombshell dropped on Friday was followed by more revelations. The second defense lawyer has also sought their own dismissal, citing unresolvable disagreements regarding the client's defense. The statement detailing their withdrawal was read aloud in the courtroom.
After the hearing, the courtroom spectators were left speculating on Drach's demands, unsure if they held any weight. The chamber will now deliberate on the matter, with the next day of the trial slated for the following week.
As the drama unfolds, questions about the nature of the alleged conspiracy between Drach and Reemtsma continue to swirl, leaving many in suspense. Stay tuned for further updates from the Cologne District Court.
