Frankfurt am Main (dpa) – The trial against Frankfurt mayor Peter Feldmann (SPD) on suspicion of corruption ended on Monday shortly after the start: Feldmann was unable to appear at the hearing for health reasons. His lawyers submitted a certificate to the court stating that he was ineligible to stand trial due to a “state of mental emergency”. Additionally, Feldmann is currently in the health department because a corona infection is suspected. However, the trial could not take place without the accused.
Originally, for the last day of negotiations before the referendum on Feldmann’s deselection on November 6, former director of social affairs Daniela Birkenfeld was invited as a witness.
The prosecutor accuses Feldmann of accepting donations and other benefits from Arbeiterwohlfahrt (Awo). In return, he wanted to kindly consider the interests of the social association. Feldmann has always denied the allegations, even in the hearing last week.
The case against the SPD politician, who has been the mayor of Frankfurt for ten years, is linked to the Awo scandal with allegations of fraud for millions of euros against former senior officials of the association in Frankfurt and Wiesbaden. Feldmann’s partner at the time is said to have received the executive post of an Awo daycare for a greatly inflated salary, although she had no management experience. It is also about collecting donations for the re-election of Feldmann by the Awo.
© dpa-infocom, dpa: 221030-99-320528 / 3
