New Courtroom Conversion: Former Riding Hall Repurposed for High-Profile Trial of Ex-RAF Terrorist Daniela Klette

The transformation of a former riding hall into a courtroom highlights the significant financial commitment for the upcoming trial of Daniela Klette, a former member of the Red Army Faction (RAF). The total rental cost for this conversion has been announced at approximately EUR3.6 million, as confirmed by a spokesperson from the Lower Saxony Ministry of Justice.

Due to security concerns, the trial will not proceed at the District Court in Verden. Instead, the repurposed facility will serve as a high-security courtroom, equipped with barbed wire, privacy screens, and surveillance cameras. The rental agreement for this red-brick building, located on the outskirts of Verden, is set for two years, with options for extension should they be required.

The Ministry has stated that the costs associated with the necessary modifications will be covered by the landlord and will be included in the rental fee. Until the renovations are completed, court proceedings will temporarily relocate to the State Security Chamber of the Higher Regional Court in Celle, which has limited seating for observers and journalists wishing to attend the trial.

The trial in the newly converted courtroom is expected to commence by the end of May, where Klette faces serious charges including attempted murder, illegal possession of firearms, and both attempted and completed armed robbery. As the legal proceedings unfold, the public and the media are keenly interested in the developments of this case involving a figure from a notorious era of German history.

The RAF, known for its radical leftist ideology and violent campaign against the German state, saw numerous members engage in acts of terrorism throughout the 1970s and 1980s. The prosecution of Klette is part of ongoing efforts to address the legacy of these past actions, as authorities continue to investigate remaining figures associated with the group.

As the trial approaches, the government's measures to ensure security and public safety remain a priority, reflecting the complex intersection of historical accountability and the modern judicial process.