International Soccer Tournament 2014: Unfolding with Minimal Promotion
In the heart of Bremen, Germany, four individuals are currently standing trial for their alleged involvement in the riots that erupted at Vegesacker train station square during the final night of the 2014 FIFA World Cup. The defendants, aged 17, 19, 22, and 41, are accused of causing a disturbance, damaging property, and attacking bystanders.
The incident, which took place on July 13, 2014, saw the group, along with around 30 others, allegedly shaking parked cars, tearing off Germany flags, and impeding the progress of vehicles. The chaos soon escalated, with the group reportedly attacking two bystanders, resulting in cuts, bruises, and a torn lip.
The proceedings are being held at the Bremen Regional Court due to the magnitude of the case, despite the offense not being as severe as some cases typically handled at the Regional Court. The trial, which began nearly two and a half years after the incident, has been marked by a large number of suspects and witnesses, leading to a complex investigation.
Initially, eleven individuals were accused, but the evidence was insufficient for all except four. One of the originally accused has since been charged and tried separately. Excluding the public from the proceedings is unusual in such a case, but is allowed in exceptional cases to protect minors. Two of the defendants were minors at the time of the incident, and one still is.
The defendants are also accused of throwing cobblestones, tables, and chairs at the windows and entrance door of a pub named "Muddy's". They are charged with dangerous bodily harm and severe breach of the peace. One victim ran to a police car for safety, but the group allegedly chased him and smashed the rear window, causing the officers to drive away.
Three of the defendants allegedly struck and kicked a police car at the Haven Höövt, rendering it non-operational. The 22-year-old defendant is accused of attacking the occupants of a car in the area of Sagerstraße, causing a head wound and a scrape on an arm to one of the victims.
The lawyers of the defendants applied for the exclusion of the public during the trial to prevent stigmatization. The presiding judge granted the application, agreeing that exposures and stigmatizations must be able to be excluded. The subsequent trial dates will also be held in camera at the Bremen Regional Court.
The investigation took a considerable amount of time due to the large number of suspects and witnesses. The protective and educational concept is the basis for excluding the public from the proceedings in this case. The search results do not provide specific information about which youths among the total 11 accused in the trial before the Bremen Regional Court, lasting up to two years, are no longer defendants. Generally, all criminal proceedings have a speedy trial requirement, but this case took longer due to the complex nature of the investigation.
