Court Suggests Dropping Fraud Case Against 'Querdenken' Founder Michael Ballweg

The Stuttgart court proposed ending the case due to its perceived minor significance, though prosecutors oppose the move.

Michael Ballweg, founder of the 'Querdenken' movement, is on trial for alleged fraud involving over one million euros in donations.
The Stuttgart court has recommended halting the trial, citing the minor significance of the case, but prosecutors argue a conviction is likely.
Prosecutors claim Ballweg misused 575,929.84 euros of funds for personal purposes, though 843,111.68 euros in expenses for the movement are documented.
Ballweg spent months in pre-trial detention starting in June 2022 due to concerns of flight risk and was released in April 2023.
The 'Querdenken' movement, which emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic, organized protests against government measures and faced criticism for incidents of violence.