Lawyer Otmar Kury and client Christina Block Part Ways
In a surprising development, the defense counsel for entrepreneur Christina Block, who is currently on trial for allegedly abducting her children from their co-custodial father, has changed. Ingo Bott, a renowned lawyer, has taken on the role of duty counsel for Block, replacing Otmar Kury.
The change was noticed on July 25, 2025, when Block was seen leaving court alongside Bott. Previously, Kury was also reported as part of Block's defense team. The reasons behind this change or the addition of Bott to the defense team remain unclear, with no detailed public disclosure available.
The trial, which began on July 11, concerns accusations that Block orchestrated the kidnapping of her two children from their father's custody in a cross-border operation around New Year's 2023-24. The case has garnered media attention due to its unusual and high-profile elements, involving alleged former Israeli intelligence operatives.
The proceedings have faced interruptions, most notably when the trial was temporarily halted in mid-July 2025. The court reassessed the children's role as co-plaintiffs and legal representations, contributing to delays. The next sessions were planned beyond late July, indicating possible further updates in defense or trial status.
Block's ex-husband, Stephan Hensel, who retains custody, is also involved in the legal battles, represented by two lawyers, including Christoph Henckel, at least as of the trial start in July 2025.
During the trial on July 25, Block denied the allegations in a multi-hour statement. The trial is set to continue on August 15, where Block will answer questions from the court. The presiding judge of the criminal chamber has asked Bott to switch from his position as a chosen lawyer to that of a duty counsel to ensure that Block is legally represented throughout the entire duration of the proceedings.
It's important to note that Block does not question the competent and highly professional expertise of Otmar Kury. The family court proceedings in Germany have been concluded, and the Federal Constitutional Court rejected a complaint in the custody dispute over the two children in May last year.
The alleged abduction occurred on New Year's Eve of 2023/24, and the children were taken violently from their father who lives in Denmark. The court has appointed a duty counsel to ensure that Block is legally represented throughout the entire duration of the proceedings. Elisabeth Unger, Block's family law attorney, has already resigned from her mandate.
The trial is proceeding as planned, with the next session scheduled for August 15. The NDR reported on the change in Christina Block's defense, adding another layer of intrigue to this high-profile case. As the trial continues, the public awaits further developments and the outcome of Block's defense.
- The change in Christina Block's defense team has shifted the dynamics of her trial, with Ingo Bott, a renowned lawyer, now part of the team, replacing Otmar Kury, who was previously a part of the general-news and crime-and-justice case involving Block's allegations of abducting her children.
- The media outlet NDR reported on the change in Christina Block's defense, highlighting politics and crime-and-justice aspects of the case, as the trial continues to unfold, potentially adding more layers of intrigue to this high-profile case.
