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Federal Prosecutor Charges Six More Alleged Hammerbande Members in Düsseldorf

Defence lawyers contest the Düsseldorf venue for the new indictment with its attempted murder counts stemming from the 2023 Budapest rally attacks.

"Generalbundesanwalt beim Bundesgerichtshof" steht auf einem Schild am Eingang zum Gebäude der Bundesanwaltschaft.
Image
Demonstrierende tragen ein Banner, mit dem sie die Freiheit für die Antifaschisten fordern, die wegen der Budapest-Angriffe inhaftiert sind.
Ein Video dokumentiert eine brutale Attacke mutmaßlicher Linksextremisten in Budapest. Sie sollen der sogenannten Hammerbande angehören.

Overview

  • The Federal Prosecutor General filed charges at the Higher Regional Court in Düsseldorf against Emilie D., Paula P., Luca S., Moritz S., Clara W. and Nele A. for their roles in five coordinated assaults at Budapest’s February 2023 ‘Tag der Ehre’ rally.
  • The indictment accuses the six suspects of criminal organisation membership, dangerous bodily harm and attempted murder in two cases linked to victims’ bone fractures and head injuries.
  • Unlike earlier prosecutions held in Dresden, the latest charges were brought in Düsseldorf, prompting defence objections over court selection and regional ties of the accused.
  • Defence attorneys argue opening German proceedings blocks extradition to Hungary and dispute the attempted murder counts, noting Hungarian authorities saw no intent to kill.
  • The Düsseldorf court must now decide on admitting the indictment and setting a trial date, with observers predicting a lengthy legal process.