Daniela Klette, once known for her association with the notorious Red Army Faction (RAF), lived under the radar for more than three decades. Her life was shrouded in secrecy until her arrest by police in February 2024, marking the end of her long-standing evasion of law enforcement. Klette's life of crime culminated in her indictment for involvement in 13 robberies, allegedly funding her existence underground with approximately 2.7 million euros.
Her trial is set to begin on March 25, 2025, and it is drawing significant public interest not just because of her connection to the RAF, but due to the complex web of deceit she wove to stay hidden for so long. During her time underground, Klette took on the alias 'Claudia,' crafting a new identity among friends who had no idea of her past. Reports reveal she was regarded as caring and dependable by those who knew her as Claudia, with friends vouching for her character.
“I don’t know Daniela Klette, I know Claudia. She was like my sister,” said Ermeson Gomes da Silva, who met Klette in dance classes during the early 2000s. His words encapsulate the contradictions of Klette’s life: to her friends, she was merely Claudia, the caring friend who participated actively in community events, such as the 'Carnival of Cultures' and capoeira lessons.
The various robbery incidents attributed to Klette and her accomplices will form the crux of the charges against her. According to investigations, Klette and her group, including Burkhard Garweg and Ernst-Volker Staub, executed heists on supermarkets and armored transport vehicles between 1999 and 2016, which funded their hidden lives.
Throughout her time underground, sources reveal Klette was not just confined to Berlin. Allegedly, Klette didn’t hesitate to travel abroad; reports highlight her visits to South Africa and even trips to Brazil, where she maintained connections with friends, including da Silva.
Before her arrest, Klette had reportedly texted Garweg, alerting him to her impending capture, demonstrating the depth of her connections with fellow hidden militants. The police found significant evidence upon her arrest, which included firearms, wigs, fake identification, and nearly €240,000 in cash during the raid of her apartment. They also discovered six gold bars, enhancing their case against her.
Even with the impending trial, the questions surrounding Klette’s life continue to intrigue both the public and media. A recent report by NDR, WDR, and Süddeutsche Zeitung unveiled previously unpublished photos of Klette from her time underground. These photographs from the early 2000s show her living her double life—when she appeared vibrant and personable among friends, seemingly disconnected from her criminal past.
The testimonies of those who knew her shed light on Klette's ability to blend seamlessly within communities. Adjusting her previous life to the new identity was no small feat; past friends recounted her reluctance to share too much of her past, maintaining boundaries to protect them. A friend remarked how Klette often deflected inquiries about her background, saying, “Everyone has secrets.” This mantra likely served as her shield, keeping the truth about her life hidden.
Law enforcement agencies had pursued Klette for nearly three decades. The RAF, formed in the early 1970s, was notoriously linked to numerous attacks and assassinations aimed at high-ranking figures and institutions. While the group eventually declared dissolution in 1998, Klette's alleged participation with the so-called 'third generation' continues to disrupt the peace for many.
Some of Klette’s old friends described her as warm and protective, but the specter of her past weighs heavily now. They grapple with the stark reality of the woman they thought they knew, transformed by revelations about her true identity. Klette's story stands as a painful reminder of how appearances can be deceiving.
With the trial approaching, the atmosphere is ripe with speculation. Will the public gain closure about Klette's criminal activities? What repercussions might arise from her long-term evasion of justice? These questions loom over society as it prepares to confront the complex narrative of Daniela Klette, the woman who lived under many disguises.
Daniela Klette’s case not only invites discussions about identity but raises broader socio-political questions about the lasting legacy of political violence and terrorism. After all, behind every facade lies untold stories, and sometimes they are darker than they seem.