Leipzig Prosecutor's Office Closes Investigation into AfD Politician Jörg Dornau
The Leipzig Prosecutor's Office has announced its decision to cease investigations against Jörg Dornau, a member of the AfD from Rötha, amid allegations concerning his agricultural practices in Belarus. The investigation was prompted by reports suggesting that Dornau utilized prisoners on his onion farm in Belarus. However, the authorities concluded that there was insufficient evidence to initiate criminal proceedings.
According to the prosecutor's office, thorough research revealed no reasonable suspicion of criminal conduct that would warrant legal action. A significant factor in their decision was the assessment of the legal framework surrounding actions taken in Belarus, where the alleged activities do not constitute a crime under local laws.
The allegations against Dornau stemmed from media accounts detailing the experiences of a political prisoner, who claimed he worked on Dornau's farm. The prosecutor's office clarified that the prisoner reportedly had the option to reject the work offer from the farm, indicating that his labor was not coerced. In fact, the individual stated that employment on the farm was preferable to the conditions he faced in the Belarusian penal system, which he described as torturous.
While under international law, particularly the principle of universal jurisdiction, there could be a basis for prosecuting certain offenses committed abroad, including human trafficking, the prosecutors found that the current evidence did not substantiate such claims. They noted that potential charges related to forced labor or exploitation of workers by German citizens abroad are only prosecutable if those actions are also illegal at the location where they occurred. In this case, there were no indications of coercion, which ultimately led to the closure of the case.
Despite the conclusion of the criminal investigation, Dornau has faced penalties from the Saxony State Parliament for failing to disclose his business activities in Belarus. He has been ordered to pay a fine of EUR20,862 to the president of the parliament for his lack of transparency regarding these dealings. Dornau has the option to contest this penalty in court.
Reports earlier this year by various media outlets revealed that Dornau had been the owner of an agricultural enterprise in Belarus since 2020 and had taken on the role of managing director in 2023. Following these revelations, significant scrutiny arose regarding the conditions and ethical implications of employing political prisoners on his agricultural operations.
The closure of this investigation highlights the complexities surrounding legal accountability for actions taken by individuals abroad, particularly in contexts where human rights abuses are prevalent. As the situation develops, it will be essential to monitor how these legal interpretations and political dynamics evolve in relation to Dornau and the broader implications for German politics.
