On March 25, 2025, the trial against Daniela Klette, a former member of the left-wing terrorist group RAF, commenced in the high-security courtroom of the Oberlandesgericht Celle, Germany. Klette, who has been living under the radar for nearly three decades, appeared calm and composed as she greeted her lawyers in the glass-secured area meant for defendants in high-profile cases. This unusual setting serves as a stark reminder of her controversial past.
Klette, 66, is facing serious charges, including attempted murder, illegal possession of weapons, and involvement in thirteen armed robberies committed between 1999 and 2016. Along with her accomplices, Ernst-Volker Staub, 70, and Burkhard Garweg, 56, Klette is alleged to have targeted money transports and supermarket cash offices across Niedersachsen, Nordrhein-Westfalen, and Schleswig-Holstein. The trio reportedly stole approximately 2.7 million euros during these raids, making their case not only significant but also complex.
The trial began under heavy security due to Klette’s involvement with the RAF, which officially dissolved in 1998 after more than 30 years of terror, during which it was linked to over thirty murders. Prosecutors assert that while Klette's past affiliations raise eyebrows, the current charges do not stem from any political motives, framing them instead as financially motivated criminal activities aimed at funding her life in hiding.
"We’re not here to discuss her past with the RAF but to address her violent crimes linked to the robberies," stated Ahmad Mohamad, a spokesperson for the Verden Regional Court. Yet, Klette’s defense argues that her history as a political dissident has influenced public perception and prejudiced her trial. "The whole public pre-condemnation ties in with the RAF," lawyer Undine Weyers emphasized, asserting that Klette is being portrayed unfairly.
Throughout her hearing, Klette maintained an assertive tone, expressing frustration over how the police treated her friends and allies during the investigation. She characterizes the prosecution's narrative as one that casts her as a remorseless criminal in an exaggerated light. "What they have is a false image of a marauding, murder-ready band of robbers," Klette remarked during the proceedings, hinting at the intricacies of her prior life as a member of the RAF.
The defense also raised concerns over the trial's legitimacy, arguing for its dismissal outright, claiming that a fair process is not feasible due to the extensive media scrutiny and what they perceive as political motivations behind the investigation. "This is a hunt for political enemies, not merely for robbers," Klette claimed, maintaining that her previous affiliations are being deliberately exploited to mischaracterize her in court.
As the trial progresses, the prosecution plans to present detailed evidence from the extensive indictment, which includes chilling accounts of how Klette and her comrades executed their heists. These crimes are not just financial; the impact on the victims continues to resonate. The effects of one robbery on June 6, 2015, are particularly tragic, as a money transporter driver was reportedly fired upon by Garweg, who shot at him with an assault rifle, narrowly missing his target. Both men involved in that incident have suffered severe psychological consequences, with one receiving treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder.
The courtroom sessions are expected to unfold over 56 days, reflecting the complexity of the case combined with the political sensitivities surrounding it. Despite Klette’s public persona as a more benign figure—described by neighbors as a friendly, gray-haired woman who once taught children—her transformation from a fugitive to a charged criminal will continue to be scrutinized.
Additionally, the defense is demanding that the case be dismissed on various grounds, including challenges regarding new evidence and claims that they have not been able to adequately review all relevant material before the trial. The prosecution's spokesperson has specified that convictions for robbery carry a minimum sentence of five years, while attempted murder could lead to a life sentence, should the court find sufficient grounds for such an outcome.
In the aftermath of the first day, support for Klette was notable, with around 50 supporters rallying outside the courthouse, many holding banners proclaiming, "Freedom for all political prisoners." The protest and courtroom proceedings have ignited discussions about political repression and the legacy of the RAF among various factions within Germany.
The next hearing for Klette is scheduled for April 1, 2025, where further evidence and witness testimonies are expected. With significant implications for law enforcement and judicial fairness, this trial is set to test not only the legalities involved but also the broader societal perceptions of justice in relation to political heritage.
