Spectators ejected from Dortmund courtroom – girls abused prosecutor
In the trial against the "Knappi-Gang", two girls hurled insults at the prosecutor, calling him a "bastard". The judge subsequently closed the court to the public.
Courtroom outcry in "Knappi-Gang" trial: judge closes court to public
An incident occurred at Dortmund Regional Court on Wednesday that overshadowed the ongoing trial of six young men. Prosecutor Golo Osthoff (43) reported at the beginning of proceedings that he had been alerted by legal trainee referendaries to statements from the public gallery following the previous hearing. According to BILD, he had allegedly been repeatedly called a "bastard" or "fucking bastard" – accompanied by demands that he should "shut his mouth" and announcements that he would "see what he gets for it". Osthoff stated that he would not be intimidated by such threats and defamation.
This was followed by a confrontation in the public gallery. Accompanied by court officers, witnesses identified two juveniles: Daria and Nadine had to stand up. Both apologised and said the words had "just slipped out". Osthoff accepted the apology but requested a fine – 200 euros per person. Failure to pay threatens two days in custody for each.
The chamber, chaired by Judge Tim Wroblewski (49), subsequently ordered the court to be closed to the public for the remainder of proceedings. All spectators had to leave the courtroom – including journalists. BILD subsequently questioned the two girls. Daria said: "That was embarrassing and we are really sorry. We are friends with the defendants, it is really hard to bear when things are said that are not true."
Since May, the so-called "Knappi-Gang" has stood trial before the Regional Court. The group, which frequently met at Knappschaftskrankenhaus hospital, is alleged to have attacked another group of people on 14 August 2025. Principal suspect Faiz (20) is said to have repeatedly kicked a victim lying on the ground – an acquaintance filmed the incident. Special operations unit officers arrested the six defendants in December. The victims survived with serious injuries.
The defendants face conviction on charges of joint attempted manslaughter. The case gained additional significance when Faiz learned during pre-trial detention that his father had been kicked to death in Dortmund by other assailants.
Source: BILD