Federal Court Reviews Sentencing of Lina E. Following Attacks on Right-Wing Extremists

The Federal Court of Germany (Bundesgerichtshof, BGH) is currently reviewing the case of Lina E., a figure linked to left-wing extremism, who was sentenced to several years in prison by the Dresden Higher Regional Court (Oberlandesgericht, OLG) for her involvement in assaults against right-wing extremists. This review comes after both Lina E. and the federal prosecution filed appeals against the original ruling.

Lina E., now 29 years old, was convicted approximately two years ago, a decision that incited substantial protests among leftist groups. The OLG found her guilty of multiple attacks on individuals associated with the far-right, as well as membership in a criminal organization. While the BGH in Karlsruhe deliberates the case, Lina E. is not expected to appear for the oral proceedings. Following her sentencing, the court suspended the enforcement of her prison sentence under certain conditions, allowing her to remain free after spending two and a half years in pre-trial detention.

As the BGH examines the Dresden ruling, the court's focus will be strictly on potential legal errors without hearing witness testimonies or gathering new evidence. The justices have the authority to either uphold, modify, or overturn the previous judgment, which would necessitate a retrial in Dresden for the contentious aspects of the case. It remains uncertain whether a decision will be reached during today's session.

In Dresden, alongside Lina E., three male co-defendants faced similar charges. The federal prosecution alleged that the group engaged in violent assaults against perceived or actual supporters of the right-wing movement from 2018 to 2020, resulting in injuries to 13 individuals, two of which were considered life-threatening.

Authorities characterize Lina E. as a key figure within the group, claiming she played a leadership role in at least two of the assaults. The prosecution sought an eight-year prison sentence, while her defense argued for acquittal, claiming the legal proceedings were politically motivated and improperly located.

The original ruling by the OLG sparked widespread protests on the day it was announced, with demonstrations occurring in several cities. Some of these gatherings escalated into violence, particularly in Leipzig, where police had to disperse crowds after projectiles were thrown. Additional solidarity demonstrations for Lina E. took place in Berlin, Hamburg, and Dresden.

Protests are anticipated to accompany the current BGH proceedings, with the local chapter of the 'Rote Hilfe' (Red Help) organizing a rally to show support for Lina E. The court has implemented stricter regulations for press and public access to the hearing.

Recent developments in the case have included the apprehension of Johann G., a suspected associate of Lina E., who was arrested after being on the run. According to authorities, he held a significant role within the group and was implicated in an attack in Budapest against individuals perceived to be affiliated with far-right ideologies.

In January, several other suspects turned themselves in to authorities following an incident in Budapest that involved attacks on alleged neo-Nazis. Their legal representatives are contesting extradition to Hungary, arguing that their clients would face excessively harsh sentences and inadequate legal protections there.

Furthermore, a separate case involving another accused individual, known as Maja, who identifies as non-binary, has attracted media attention after they were extradited to Hungary despite a last-minute intervention from the Federal Constitutional Court, which raised concerns over the timeliness of its ruling.

As the BGH continues to review the case of Lina E., the implications of its decision could resonate throughout the broader discussions surrounding political extremism and the legal system in Germany.