Overview
- Amtsgericht Baden-Baden cleared Burda on December 23 after a non-public trial that drew significant attention due to his family background.
- The presiding judge cited contradictions in the complainant’s account, no decisive medical proof of strangulation, no detectable sperm traces, and emails suggesting Burda was not dependent on contact with her.
- Large parts of the proceedings, including closing arguments, were held behind closed doors, and reporting indicates prosecutors withdrew aspects of the charge during a closed session.
- Prosecutors had alleged a July 18, 2023 assault in the complainant’s mother’s apartment involving strangulation, forced oral sex, and an attempted vaginal penetration.
- The defense argued the encounter was consensual, while police witnesses said the woman appeared very emotional during her first interview and showed no signs of dishonesty.