Defense Pleads for Not Guilty Verdict in Volkswagen Diesel Scandal Trial - Defendants in Volkswagen diesel emissions scandal trial seek not guilty verdicts
In a high-stakes move, the defense team representing a former top executive at Volkswagen (VW) is demanding acquittal for their client in the ongoing diesel emissions scandal trial. The lawyer team announced this bold request at the Braunschweig Regional Court, where four VW managers and engineers stand accused of fraud. The prosecution had sought a four-year sentence for the 59-year-old executive.
On Monday, defense lawyers fiercely attacked the prosecution's case, labeling it as illogical and filled with questionable claims. Another lawyer stated that the accusations against their client couldn't be substantiated. The defense team warned that their presentation would take several more hours, leaving it unclear whether the first plea would be completed on Monday.
Prosecution Torpedoes Defense Claims
The four VW employees have been on trial since September 2021 before an economic crimes chamber in Braunschweig. The prosecution maintains that they are guilty of fraud after a three-and-a-half year ordeal with 168 trial days and around 150 witnesses. In an extended final plea, the prosecution thus demanded a prison sentence ranging from four years to two years of probation.
The scandal, globally known as 'Dieselgate,' erupted in September 2015 when it was revealed in the US that VW had used a software cheat on a massive scale. The program, recognizable during emissions tests, would only then activate full emission cleaning.
The saga continues to unfold, with uncertainties over who knew what about the secret program. In the current Braunschweig trial, conflicting statements abound. Engineers who allegedly proposed the defeat device claim they raised concerns and warned of potential ramifications. Superiors counter that problems were discussed but only illegal actions were ever hinted at.
Martin Winterkorn, former VW CEO, was initially part of the trial but was separated due to health concerns before its start in September 2021. The status of his case remains uncertain.
Marathon Pleas and an Uncertain Future
Defense pleas in the fraud trial continue on Wednesday, and it's expected that lengthy presentations for each accused could take multiple hours or even entire trial days. The timeline for a verdict in this blockbuster trial is, as yet, unclear.
- VW
- Acquittal
- Criminal trial
- Braunschweig
- VW employees
- Prosecution
- The defense team for the former top executive at VW is demanding acquittal in the ongoing diesel emissions scandal criminal trial at the Braunschweig Regional Court.
- The prosecution had sought a four-year sentence for the 59-year-old executive, but the defense lawyers argue that the accusations against their client couldn't be substantiated.
- The trial of four VW employees has been ongoing since September 2021, and the prosecution maintains they are guilty of fraud after a three-and-a-half year ordeal with 168 trial days and around 150 witnesses.
- The scandal, known as 'Dieselgate,' involved Volkswagen using a software cheat on a massive scale, with the program activated only during emissions tests.
- The future of the trial remains uncertain, as defense pleas are expected to continue for multiple hours or even entire trial days, and the timeline for a verdict has not yet been determined.
