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Journalists prepare for the trial of the century at the Munich courthouse. Former Wirecard boss Markus Braun will sit on the judge’s right.
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AFP/CHRISTOF STACHE
The Wirecard scandal surrounding the Dax group has crossed the boundaries of what can be imagined. Who is responsible for the biggest fraud case in postwar history? The answer must be provided by a superlative 100-day process.
A wooden cross hangs diagonally opposite the pier. But it’s probably too late for prayers. On December 8, Markus Braun will be sitting there, to the right of Presiding Judge Markus Födisch. It will certainly be tough for the former Wirecard boss, but not anymore. Because the high-security court, which costs 17 million euros, is located in the prison of the Munich-Stadelheim correctional facility. The 270 m2 room with one meter thick walls extends five meters below ground. The hall was built for processes with the highest safety requirements. Criminals and terrorists have already received their verdict in the room, which is simply paneled in wood.
“A judicial location as big as Munich is used to dealing with large-scale cases,” says Superior Regional Court Judge Laurent Lafleur to “Presse am Sonntag”. “However, the trial is special, mainly because of the scope of the matter to be negotiated. It is one of the largest commercial criminal cases in post-war German history.”