Overview
- The trial of Patricia Schlesinger and several former RBB executives began Monday, November 9, 2026, at the Berlin regional court after a multi‑year investigation by the Generalstaatsanwaltschaft Berlin.
- Prosecutors charge Schlesinger with 26 counts of Untreue (breach of trust) and allege around €1.76 million in damage to the public broadcaster, with seven counts deemed particularly serious.
- The indictment cites disputed bonuses, unusual allowances, unlawful early‑retirement and leave arrangements, and reimbursed personal expenses including ten dinners and a private trip to London.
- Defendants deny the charges and Schlesinger’s lawyer has pledged to fully refute the allegations, while the court has scheduled 56 hearing days through June 29, 2027.
- A prior civil ruling awarded Schlesinger a contractual pension but also recognized RBB’s civil claims for wrongly paid amounts, and the case has intensified scrutiny of internal controls across ARD member stations.