Stuttgart – “Free Michael Ballweg”: With such posters, hundreds of supporters showed their solidarity with the imprisoned “lateral thinking” founder in front of the Stuttgart-Stammheim prison on Saturday.
According to organizers, 500 to 700 people demonstrated. The police did not release any specific information, but it was a “significant number” of demonstrators. According to the circumstances, the situation on site remained calm.
According to the city, 300 participants had registered. On the Internet, the organizers – two “lateral thinkers” initiatives – called for people to come to Stuttgart under the motto “Free Michael Ballweg”. Among others, those arriving from Berlin were expected. According to the police spokesman, there was no counter-demonstration.
In the vicinity of the meeting, a resident argued with a participant about a parking space, which became violent. A person did not want to leave the demo when asked by the organizer. When police intervened, the person reportedly resisted. One officer was slightly injured.
The demonstrators are demanding that Ballweg be released
The Stuttgart public prosecutor’s office is investigating fraud and money laundering against the 47-year-old Ballweg. He has been in custody since Wednesday last week because of the risk of absconding. According to information from judicial circles, there is a suspicion of fraud in the amount of around 640,000 euros and money laundering in the amount of around 430,000 euros.