Former RAF Terrorist Faces Trial in Converted Equestrian Hall

A former member of the Red Army Faction (RAF), Daniela Klette, is currently on trial in a repurposed equestrian hall in Verden, Germany. This unique setting was transformed to accommodate the high-security needs of the proceedings against Klette, who is alleged to be involved in a series of robbery attempts.

The trial is taking place in a facility that was once a riding arena, now equipped with the necessary technological upgrades for a courtroom environment. The hall is situated in a picturesque area on the outskirts of Verden, surrounded by traditional timber-framed houses, a historic mill, and a lake. Initially offered as a rental property with extensive equestrian amenities, the site has been fitted with heightened security measures, including fences, barbed wire, and surveillance cameras, to ensure the safety of all involved.

The costs associated with this extensive transformation are covered by the landlord, with the total expenses estimated to be around EUR3.6 million, which includes the rental fees and additional operational costs. The Landgericht Verden (District Court of Verden) is the tenant of this newly adapted courtroom, with the state of Lower Saxony initially fronting the costs. The determination of who will ultimately bear these expenses will be made following the conclusion of the trial.

The search for an appropriate courtroom for this significant trial has been ongoing for several months, as no existing courtroom in Lower Saxony met the requirements for space and security. The district court reported that finding a suitable location was challenging due to the high number of participants expected--over 380 witnesses, 50 experts, and the potential for up to 26 additional plaintiffs and their legal representatives to join the proceedings. After considering options that included constructing a new courtroom or relocating the trial to another federal state, the converted equestrian hall emerged as the most viable and cost-effective solution.

The new courtroom measures 800 square meters and features a public viewing area separated by a security barrier. Journalists and interested members of the public will be able to attend the trial from this designated space, which is adequately climate-controlled for comfort throughout the year.

Prior to the opening of the new courtroom, the trial had to be held at the state protection court in Celle. Klette, who is now 66 years old, was arrested in her Berlin residence in February of the previous year. She faces serious charges, including attempted murder, illegal possession of firearms, and multiple counts of armed robbery. Her alleged accomplices, Ernst-Volker Staub and Burkhard Garweg, remain at large.

The repurposed equestrian hall is set to be utilized solely for Klette's trial initially, with a rental agreement in place for two years, which can be extended if necessary. Legal authorities anticipate that the proceedings will last at least that long, but should the trial conclude sooner, the facility may be used for other high-security cases involving numerous participants.