Context-free trial in the Weimar coronavirus mask situation stirs up public interest
The case of the judicial figure from Thuringia's family court, standing trial for alleged bias in his ruling on the COVID-19 mask mandate, commenced with a significant delay in the Federal Court of Justice (BGH) in Karlsruhe.
Initially, the judge's ruling annulling the mask mandate at two schools in Weimar had already been overturned. Yet, it was the individual himself who faced trial and was later found guilty of bias by the District Court of Erfurt in August 2023. His conviction led to a suspended two-year sentence, but both the judge and prosecution decided to file appeals.
Entering the trial, Gerhard Strate, the judge's attorney, expressed confidence by stating, "What's right should remain right." This controversial ruling and subsequent bias conviction sparked various responses from supporters of COVID-19 restrictions and those against them.
A group of approximately 30 individuals opposed to COVID-19 measures rallied at the BGH hearing, intended to voice their support for the judge. The courtroom, with its swelling numbers, mirrored both the widespread interest and divided opinion surrounding the case.
The District Court of Erfurt's verdict determined that the defendant's mask ruling was not impartial but rather biased. In addition, the court found that he had actively pursued the case, working on it weeks preceding his decision with deliberate and specific targeting of a family whose children were eventually placed under child protection. The anticipated decision date from the Federal Court of Justice (BGH) regarding this case (Case No.: 2 StR 54/24) is yet to be announced.
In light of the heightened public interest and the seriousness of the allegations, the Commission overseeing appeals within the Federal Court of Justice (BGH) ensured that the proceedings moved forward in a controlled and orderly manner, focusing on the merits of the judge's appeals.
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