Arrest of Former RAF Member Daniela Klette: Insights from Niedersachsen's LKA Chief

The recent apprehension of former RAF member Daniela Klette, after a nine-year search, has been described as a significant victory by the head of Niedersachsen's State Criminal Police Office (LKA). Friedo de Vries shared details about the circumstances surrounding her arrest, the ongoing search for her accomplices, and expectations for the upcoming trial set to commence soon.

Klette was detained in Berlin, a development that caught many investigators by surprise. De Vries recounted how he was informed of the arrest, highlighting the unexpected nature of the operation after nearly a decade of pursuing Klette along with her associates, Burkhard Garweg and Ernst-Volker Staub.

Despite the triumph, de Vries emphasized that the initial emotions were overshadowed by the immediate need to assess the implications of Klette's arrest. Concerns arose regarding the potential whereabouts of her accomplices and the need for thorough investigations of her residence, where weapons were discovered, indicating significant risks to the officers involved.

Criticism has emerged regarding the timing of Klette's communications, as she was able to send a message to Garweg before her arrest, potentially warning him. De Vries addressed these concerns, suggesting that her actions indicated a heightened alertness and connection between the individuals involved, despite years of evasion.

In reflecting on the criticism, de Vries maintained that the successful apprehension of Klette was a testament to the diligence of the investigators. He expressed frustration over the negative feedback, asserting that the operation was conducted professionally and without resistance, ultimately ensuring officer safety.

Friedo de Vries, who has served as the LKA president since 2018, emphasized the need for improved technological resources to enhance police operations. He noted that while advancements in facial recognition and data retention were not yet implemented, they could significantly aid in tracking fugitives like Garweg and Staub.

Regarding the ongoing search for Garweg and Staub, de Vries reported that while there have been more leads on Garweg, the investigation continues to face challenges. He acknowledged the influence of supportive leftist groups in certain cities, which may complicate the search efforts.

De Vries clarified that the pursuit of Garweg and Staub is not merely symbolic; it is driven by the need to address the violent crimes associated with their past activities. He stressed that the state has a responsibility to pursue justice for the victims of their actions.

As Klette's trial approaches, de Vries does not anticipate that it will yield significant leads regarding her collaborators, given Klette's previous statements. Nevertheless, he remains hopeful for any revelations that could emerge during the proceedings.