The four accused police officers presented their point of view on the third day of the trial over alleged police violence in the former C3R police station at the main train station. The day before, the witness Michael O. described what happened at the station on May 20, 2023. The young police officer’s report was accepted by the judge as true. The defendants’ stories on Thursday differed from this version, as RTL reports.
“I didn’t have any bills outstanding,” said police officer Tom D., who, according to the witness, is said to have beaten Fernando V. until he was bloody. However, according to RTL, he did not provide an explanation as to why he visited the victim in his cell on May 20, 2023. He was actually off duty. He was only reacting to an attack and had no intention of hurting anyone.
Trial of alleged police violence
The police officer Joe K., who was also accused, confirmed this version, writes RTL. Fernando V. “attacked” Tom D. He then defended himself with punches to the face and ribs. The third police officer, Rick S., said he had not heard anything about what was happening. He was fiddling on his cell phone. According to RTL, the judge only partially believes the police officers’ version: “We are used to defendants presenting things as they see fit – but we are not used to a police officer doing this.”
The last person to testify was the then senior member of the shift. According to the witness, André A. is said to have instructed him to falsify his report. According to RTL, the police officer reports that he didn’t know what had happened for a long time. However, he assumed that it was a case of “rebellion” on the part of Fernando V – despite the witness’s statement to the contrary. (dr)
