Defending the Accused: Demand for Acquittal in Volkswagen Emissions Scandal Trial
Defense Pleads for Not-Guilty Verdict in Volkswagen Diesel Emissions Scandal Trial - Defendants in the Volkswagen diesel scandal court trial argue for their exoneration
VW's Ex-Engine Chief Seeks Vindication
In the ongoing trial for diesel emissions fraud, the defense team of a former head of engine development at VW has called for an acquittal for their client. This demand was made at the Braunschweig Regional Court, with the prosecution previously seeking a four-year prison sentence for the 59-year-old defendant.
The Defense's Counterattack
On Monday, the defense team launched a scathing criticism of the prosecution's arguments, branding them as "cynical" and making claims of baseless accusations. One lawyer went so far as to say that the evidence presented by the prosecution is "unverifiable," while a colleague echoed these sentiments, stating that the allegations are nonsensical. The defense team announced that their presentation for their client would take several more hours, leaving the completion of the first plea uncertain.
The Unyielding Prosecution
The trial, involving four former managers and engineers, has been underway in Braunschweig since September 2021. According to the prosecution, these defendants are convicted of fraud, following more than four hours of closing arguments and 168 trial days with around 150 witnesses. The prosecution has pushed for prison sentences ranging from four years to probation.
A Long-Standing Controversy
The root of the controversy dates back to 2015 when it was discovered that VW had used deceptive software to detect emissions tests and only then activate full emission cleaning. This global scandal, known as "Dieselgate," caused a significant crisis for VW.
The Question of Knowledge and Action Remains Unanswered
To this day, the question of who knew about the secret program and when is left unresolved. In the present trial, it appears to be one person's word against another. Engineers who claim to have proposed the defeat device argue that they raised concerns and warned of the consequences. However, the superiors retort by stating that only issues were discussed, but never illegal action.
The case against former CEO Martin Winterkorn was initially included in the proceedings, but he was excused before the trial's commencement in September 2021 due to health reasons. It remains unclear if and when the case against Winterkorn will be resumed.
The Trial Unfolds
The defense closing statements in the fraud trial will continue on Wednesday, May 5. It is expected that each defense attorney will take several hours, perhaps even entire trial days to present their closing arguments. As a result, a verdict is not expected imminently.
- VW
- Acquittal
- Criminal Trial
- Braunschweig
- VW Employees
- Prosecution
- The former head of engine development at VW, who is on trial for diesel emissions fraud, is seeking an acquittal in the Braunschweig Regional Court.
- The defense team's counterattack against the prosecution's arguments in the VW emissions scandal trial includes claims of baseless accusations and unverifiable evidence.
- The VW emissions scandal trial, which started in September 2021, consists of four former managers and engineers being prosecuted for fraud.
- It remains unanswered who knew about the secret program in the diesel emissions scandal at VW and when.
- The defense closing statements in the VW emissions fraud trial will continue on Wednesday, May 5, and a verdict is not expected imminently.
