Former Berlin Health Senator Faces Corruption Trial Over Wedding Costs and Ad Campaign

Dilek Kalayci and a business owner deny allegations of bribery tied to an unpaid wedding service and a potential government contract.

Dilek Kalayci, Berlin's former health senator, is accused of accepting unpaid wedding planning services in exchange for a promised government contract.
The co-defendant, a 59-year-old advertising agency head, allegedly organized Kalayci's 2019 wedding without payment, expecting a lucrative ad campaign contract in return.
The prosecution estimates the agency's work on the wedding was worth €11,000, while the potential ad campaign could have earned the agency €17,000.
Kalayci and the agency head both deny the charges, with Kalayci asserting she never sought personal benefits during her time in office.
The trial is expected to continue until April 28, with additional witnesses, including Kalayci's husband and former agency employees, scheduled to testify.