Ongoing Trial of Berliner Rockers Following Murder of Tahir Özbek

In January 2014, a violent incident occurred in a betting shop in Berlin-Reinickendorf, resulting in the death of 26-year-old Tahir Özbek. This tragic event has led to a protracted legal battle that has now entered its fifth year, with 244 court sessions held and 279 witnesses called to testify.

The case centers around Kadir Padir, the alleged leader of the Hells Angels in Berlin, along with ten co-defendants. The trial is set to continue with an additional 36 hearing dates scheduled until April 4, 2019.

Özbek, identified as a supporter of the rival gang Bandidos, was fatally shot on January 10, 2014. Witness accounts describe a chilling scene where 13 masked assailants executed the attack in a matter of seconds, firing eight rounds, six of which struck Özbek, leading to his immediate death. Authorities believe this assault was an act of vengeance related to a previous altercation.

Surveillance footage captured the harrowing event, but the attackers were masked, complicating the identification process. Following the murder, all eleven suspects were apprehended and have remained in custody since. The trial commenced on November 4, 2014, and only one of the defendants, Yakup S., was released after two and a half years due to insufficient evidence linking him to the crime.

In a significant development, two months post-murder, a key witness, Kassra Z., known by the alias 'Perser', cooperated with authorities. He is currently under protective custody, shielded by armed guards even within the courtroom.

The proceedings have been characterized by their complexity, with additional trials being held for some of the defendants due to health issues. All accused face the possibility of life imprisonment, with the prosecution arguing that Padir orchestrated the murder.

The trial's enormity is underscored by the substantial financial implications. Eight psychiatrists have been appointed to evaluate the defendants' mental fitness for trial, with each receiving EUR75 per hour, funded by taxpayers. The costs associated with legal defense teams, witness protection, and enhanced security measures have escalated into the tens of millions of euros.

As the trial progresses, four defendants sought release from detention, but their requests were denied, confirming the continuation of their custody. The prosecution is pursuing charges of conspiracy to commit murder against Padir, who is believed to have directed the criminal actions leading to Özbek's death.

In the aftermath of the murder, several gang members fled abroad. One fugitive is reportedly being interrogated in Turkey via audiovisual means but has declined to return to Berlin despite assurances of safe passage.

This trial is among the longest in German history, drawing comparisons to notable cases such as the Mykonos trial and the Schmücker trial, both of which extended over several years.