The hate speech trial of doctor and author Sucharit Bhakdi in the German state of Schleswig-Holstein on Tuesday sparked a gathering of “lateral thinkers” and a major police operation. In the early morning, more and more followers of Bhakdi gathered in front of the courthouse in Plön. By the time the trial began, more than 300 people had held banners expressing their solidarity with the accused.
“Whoever speaks the truth will be accused,” it read, among other things. Others wrote “Thanks Sucharit Bhakdi” on their banner and drew a red heart next to it. The 76-year-old defendant arrived with an electric folding bicycle and was greeted with applause and cheers by his supporters.
Great interest in process
The police deployed about 50 officers to ensure that the process runs smoothly. The judiciary also expanded its staff. There was room in court for just under two dozen journalists and 21 spectators. Those who could not enter were literally left in the rain.
Prosecutor demands fine
The Attorney General’s Office has accused Bhakdi of hate speech in two cases and on Tuesday demanded a fine of 180 daily rates of 90 euros each. She believes that Bhakdi’s statements have crossed the line of criminal prosecution.
The retired microbiology professor is considered an icon of the “lateral thinker” movement. In his bestsellers about the pandemic, in interviews and speeches, he repeatedly spread false information about the coronavirus. The universities in Mainz and Kiel, where he worked, have distanced themselves from Bhakdi’s statements.
Criticism of vaccination policy
According to the indictment, in April 2021 Bhakdi incited hatred towards Jews living in Germany in connection with fierce criticism of Israel’s vaccination policies and maliciously despised them as a religious group.
The trial began with an intermission and the audition of the accused’s speeches. Initially, the defense failed to prevent the indictment from being read. The lawyers accused the representative of the Attorney General’s Office of serious deficiencies in the indictment.
After an interruption, the criminal judge decided to continue the trial. There had been no impermissible anticipation of the evidence assessment. However, he gave legal notice that, as things stand, the accused’s statements could no longer be considered criminal.
An unusual scene took place in the courtroom at the beginning, under the eyes of more than 40 journalists and spectators. A woman dressed in white knelt in front of the suspect. Bhakdi, who lives in Plön district, pressed his hands together in front of his chest, smiled and spoke to the woman.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
