Verdict: Imprisonment or Not Guilty?
Stuttgart Regional Court Acquits Michael Ballweg of Fraud Charges, Convicts Him of Tax Evasion
In a trial that concluded on July 31, 2025, Michael Ballweg, the 50-year-old IT entrepreneur and founder of the "Querdenken" movement, was acquitted of fraud charges but found guilty of tax evasion.
The court ruled that although Ballweg did not commit fraud regarding donations raised for "Querdenken," he was guilty of tax evasion. A warning with a suspended fine of 30 day-fines at 100 euros each, with a one-year probation period, was issued against him.
The prosecution maintained its tough stance throughout the trial, accusing Ballweg of attempted fraud and tax evasion. They demanded a three-year prison sentence and the seizure of more than half a million euros, alleging that he used 575,929.84 euros for private purposes. However, the court found no evidence of fraudulent intent and acquitted him of fraud.
The trial frequently touched on the challenging years of the COVID-19 pandemic and the question of how far the state can intervene in citizens' rights during crises. Ballweg himself emphasized that he suffered a loss of 80,000 euros in connection with "Querdenken" in the years 2020 and 2021.
Ballweg's lawyers have rejected all charges and plead for acquittal and compensation. They argued that the donations raised were used for the intended purposes, primarily for organizing protests and covering the costs of legal proceedings.
The judges could not prove intent against Ballweg, according to the regional court. The judges have hinted for months that they assess the case differently from the prosecution. The public prosecutor's office inquired about a suspension of proceedings with conditions in June, but the court suggested discontinuing the proceedings due to triviality in spring.
Despite the verdict, Ballweg remains a controversial figure due to his central role in anti-government protests during the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany. "Querdenken," which grew into a nationwide platform against lockdown, mask, and vaccine mandates, attracted a diverse range of participants, including anti-vaccination activists, conspiracy theorists, and far-right groups.
Ballweg's followers demonstrated outside the prison when he was in custody and expressed their displeasure in the courtroom. The movement, which he founded in April 2020, raised more than one million euros from thousands of people, but Ballweg allegedly deceived donors about the use of funds.
The verdict is not yet final, meaning it may still be subject to appeal. The regional court's decision reflects a complex case that has divided public opinion in Germany.
[1] Stuttgarter Nachrichten
[2] Süddeutsche Zeitung
[3] Spiegel Online
[4] FAZ
- The trial surrounding Michael Ballweg, a controversial figure known for his role in anti-government protests during the COVID-19 pandemic, encompassed general-news topics such as politics, crime-and-justice, and donations connected to his movement, "Querdenken."
- Despite being acquitted of fraud charges, Ballweg's case has sparked intense discussions in various general-news outlets, including Stuttgarter Nachrichten, Süddeutsche Zeitung, Spiegel Online, and FAZ, due to questions about the use of donations and his guilt in tax evasion.
