Karlsruhe Court Fines Fan Project Workers for Obstructing Justice

Three social workers face fines after refusing to testify about a 2022 pyro incident at a football match, stirring national debate.

The Karlsruhe District Court convicted three KSC Fan Project employees of attempted obstruction of justice, imposing fines ranging from 4,050 to 6,300 euros.
The charges stem from the workers' refusal to testify about a pyro incident during a Karlsruhe SC vs. FC St. Pauli match in November 2022, which resulted in injuries.
The decision has sparked widespread controversy, with the Fan Aid Association calling the verdict 'unacceptable' and demanding legal protections for social workers.
The employees defended their silence by citing the need to maintain trust with fans, a stance that has prompted them to appeal the ruling.
The case highlights ongoing tensions over legal protections for social workers, as the German government remains opposed to expanding testimonial privileges in this field.