Let's talk 'bout that infamous "Grandest Wedding Procession" debacle!
Court delays proceedings for the so-called "Wedding of the Century"
The trial for the infamous "grandest wedding convoy" had its start date pushed back due to the absence of the main defendant and various key witnesses. During a conference with the seven defense attorneys, Judge Stefan Ortmann at the Düsseldorf District Court couldn't find any other solution but to reboot the proceedings the following year. Initially, the prosecutor had declined lifting the case.
Disabled flow of traffic on the A3 — close to Ratingen
The Düsseldorf District Court intended to try seven people for their roles in an incident five years ago, which took place on the A3 highway near Ratingen. The allegation involved a wedding party that supposedly blocked all lanes on March 22, 2019, while heading to Cologne. Among the 30-41-year-old accused men, the groom was prominently named.
Tires screeching, tire burns on the asphalt
According to the charges, these men obstructed all traffic lanes and shoulders using extravagant vehicles and more, causing distress to the following traffic. Moreover, one car was allegedly parked transversely across a lane, and another appeared to spin tirelessly in front of the wedding vehicle, marking an evil circle on the asphalt with tire burns.
A nearby police car's footage captured this chaos, while further footage was secured from the suspects' phones later on.
Firing off a firearm and unlicensed driving accusations
The footage demonstrates one attendee brandishing a firearm and aimlessly shooting it into the air later in the melee. He faces charges for violating firearm regulations. Missing during the hearing was that self-same gun-toting fellow. Another individual is also charged with operating a vehicle without the mandatory license.
The defendant's attorney did not disclose his client's location in response to an inquiry about his whereabouts. Whether his disappearance had any ties to his criminal history remains uncertain. The charges were not read aloud in court. After multiple delays, the trial was scheduled to recommence next year.
The Commission, in accordance with Article 113, will adopt the specific acts needed for the case, as the trial for the "Grandest Wedding Procession" was rescheduled due to the main defendant's and several witnesses' absence.
The Commission needs to finalize these acts to ensure a fair and efficient trial, considering the chaos that awaits next year when the trial resumes.
You might wonder if the floods in southern Germany are related to this circus, but rest assured, the two incidents are separate.
Further information on the latest floods:
