Daniela Klette Trial Focuses on Arrest After Decades Underground

The trial of former Red Army Faction (RAF) terrorist Daniela Klette is set to delve into the circumstances of her arrest after decades spent in hiding. The proceedings, taking place at the Higher Regional Court (OLG) in Celle due to security concerns, will feature testimony concerning the execution of the arrest warrant and the evidence collected from her Berlin apartment.

Klette, now 66 years old, allegedly disappeared into the underground in 1990 and had been living under an assumed identity in a Berlin-Kreuzberg apartment. She faces charges related to a series of robberies committed between 1999 and 2016.

A spokesperson for the Verden Regional Court announced that a police officer from the Lower Saxony State Criminal Police Office (LKA) is scheduled to testify. The officer will provide details regarding the arrest operation that took place on February 26, 2024, in Berlin-Kreuzberg. Another police officer is also expected to be called as a witness.

The prosecution accuses Klette, along with Ernst-Volker Staub, 70, and Burkhard Garweg, 56, of carrying out 13 robberies, collectively netting over 2.7 million euros. The trio is believed to be associated with the third generation of the left-wing extremist Red Army Faction (RAF). Staub and Garweg remain at large, subject to ongoing manhunts.

The charges against Klette include attempted murder stemming from a 2015 attack on a cash transport van in Stuhr, near Bremen, where shots were fired. Klette denies the accusations, and the principle of presumption of innocence remains in effect throughout the trial.

The investigation and subsequent arrest of Klette represent a significant development in the ongoing pursuit of former RAF members believed to be responsible for crimes committed long after the group officially disbanded. The meticulous collection and analysis of evidence, particularly DNA traces, played a crucial role in linking the suspects to the robberies.

The focus on Klette’s arrest is expected to provide insights into her life in hiding, the methods she employed to evade detection, and the network of support, if any, that aided her over the years. The testimony of the LKA officer will likely detail the planning and execution of the arrest, the challenges faced by law enforcement in locating and apprehending Klette, and the immediate aftermath of her capture.

The trial is not only focused on the specific charges related to the robberies but also implicitly addresses the legacy of the RAF and its continuing impact on German society. The organization, responsible for numerous acts of violence and terrorism during the 1970s and 1980s, officially dissolved in 1998. However, the pursuit of former members suspected of ongoing criminal activity demonstrates that the chapter is not entirely closed.

The evidence discovered in Klette’s apartment has added another layer of complexity to the case. The items found, including a mock anti-tank weapon, firearms such as an assault rifle and a submachine gun, one kilogram of gold, and over 240,000 euros in cash, suggest a level of preparedness and sophistication that belies a life lived in complete obscurity. The origin and intended use of these items are likely to be central questions during the trial.

The Lower Saxony LKA initiated a targeted search for Klette, Garweg, and Staub in 2015. DNA evidence connected the trio to a series of robberies targeting supermarket cash offices and cash transport vehicles. The prosecution alleges that the former RAF terrorists used the stolen money to finance their lives underground.

The robberies, which occurred years after the RAF announced its dissolution, raised questions about the motivations of the perpetrators. While the official narrative suggests that the robberies were committed to fund their continued existence, other theories have been proposed, including the possibility of ideological motives or connections to other extremist groups.

The discovery of weapons and cash in Klette’s apartment also raises questions about the potential for future criminal activity or the existence of a hidden network of supporters. Investigators are likely to examine these leads to determine if Klette and her accomplices posed an ongoing threat to public safety.

Separately, the Federal Prosecutor’s Office in Karlsruhe is conducting its own investigation into Klette’s alleged involvement in RAF attacks. While membership in the RAF itself is now beyond the statute of limitations, any evidence linking Klette to specific acts of violence or terrorism could result in further charges.

The trial of Daniela Klette is expected to be a lengthy and complex affair, involving numerous witnesses, extensive evidence, and intricate legal arguments. The outcome of the trial will not only determine Klette’s fate but also contribute to a broader understanding of the enduring legacy of the RAF and the challenges of bringing former terrorists to justice decades after their crimes were committed. The focus on her arrest is crucial as it provides a glimpse into the final act of a life spent avoiding the consequences of alleged crimes. The evidence uncovered at the time of her arrest will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping the prosecution’s case and the court’s ultimate decision. The public is keenly watching as this chapter of German history unfolds in the courtroom.