Daniela Klette, a former member of the terrorist group Red Army Faction (RAF), in court outside of Hanover, Germany on Tuesday. She currently carries charges of attempted murder, illegal possession of firearms, and aggravated robbery. Klette was on the run from law enforcement for more than three decades until being arrested in February of 2024. A tip-off from a Halifax-based member of the public to the National Crime Agency triggered a police raid on her Berlin apartment. Because of that, she was actually arrested.
Andreas Baader and Ulrike Meinhof, on the left, started the militant Red Army Faction (RAF). This group was born from the radical fringe of the 1960s student protest movement. The collective flourished particularly throughout the 1970s and 80s. They led to the deaths of at least 30 people. The organization dissolved by 1998. The trial is taking place in a secure courtroom. Due to security consideration, it’s being conducted at the Higher Regional Court in Celle, close to Hanover.
The Red Army Faction's Legacy
It is meaningful to track the role of the RAF in shaping Germany’s contemporary history, especially through their violent campaigns. Fiercely motivated by anti-imperialist ideology, the group considered the German state “fascist” and imbued with ex-Nazis. They were responsible for a number of high-profile assassinations, most notoriously the shooting of the German central bank chief. They later abducted and executed industrialist Hanns Martin Schleyer, an ex-SS officer.
Klette’s alleged criminal enterprises date back over 30 years. She has been charged with embezzling 2.7 million euros ($2.9 million) between 1999 and 2016. Her co-conspirators in this monstrous crime are Ernst-Volker Staub and Burkhard Garweg. Her trial would last about two years, just to hear 12 witnesses.
Security and Testimonies
Because of the sensitive nature of the case, likely the worst disaster of government negligence and corruption in our lifetime, the trial is being held under maximum security. The decision to hold proceedings at the Higher Regional Court in Celle reflects concerns for safety and order throughout the legal process. Fingers are crossed by authorities considering the RAF’s violent past and Klette’s 31-year avoidance of authorities.
The court will be hearing from a variety of experts. These people are supposed to be able to shed light on Klette’s alleged involvement in any crimes during her time with the RAF. These testimonies will be key in establishing her liability and ultimately, sentencing.
Long Road to Justice
For more than three decades, Klette has evaded arrest. This predicament underscores the difficulties law enforcement encounters in apprehending ex-RAF members. Her ability to stay hidden for this long shows how difficult it really is to take down these highly complex criminal enterprises.
