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Scandal in Rheinsberg: Mayor Schwochow convicted of slander!
Mayor Schwochow from Rheinsberg was convicted of libel. Details about the verdict and the course of the trial.
Scandal in Rheinsberg: Mayor Schwochow convicted of slander!
The case of Rheinsberg Mayor Frank-Rudi Schwochow is causing a stir in the Ostprignitz-Ruppin region. At the Neuruppin district court he was convicted of defamation, which not only has legal consequences for him, but could also influence the local political landscape. The judges imposed a fine of 18,000 euros, divided into 90 daily rates of 200 euros each. According to rbb24, Schwochow had made unfounded allegations against district administrator Ralf Reinhardt by claiming that an investigation was being conducted against him.
In his letter to the district and the district council, Schwochow explained that there were actual investigations, which was ultimately viewed as slander. However, the public prosecutor did not see sufficient initial suspicion for an investigation against Reinhardt. In parallel to his current trial, Schwochow was acquitted on another count, which was related to the dismissal of a former managing director of the Rheinsberg housing company Rewoge.
Political and legal consequences
The trial against Schwochow turns out to be complex. On the third day of the trial, the mayor filed a request for bias against the judge, which led to an interruption in the proceedings. If this application is successful, the process would have to start all over again with a new judge, as in-neuruppin.de reports.
The political implications of his ruling are far-reaching. If Schwochow is convicted, he could face disciplinary proceedings and even removal from office. If he were sentenced to at least one year in prison, his civil service rights would also be revoked. The case raises questions about the basis of political trust and internal struggles in local politics. As mayor, Schwochow just convinced voters on September 15, 2025 to confirm him in office for another eight years.
Legal basis of defamation
What does all this mean legally? Slander is a criminal offense according to Section 188 of the Criminal Code, which was created specifically to protect politically active people. This norm is directed against defamatory attacks and has a special significance in political debate. False statements of fact are not covered by freedom of expression, while general expressions of opinion are protected, even if they are offensive, as Wikipedia explains.
In the current case of Schwochow, legal limits that have been in force for local politicians since 2021 must also be observed. This development shows how valuable it is to protect political actors in order to ensure their integrity in an often heated political landscape.
Schwochow's situation is clear: he is not only confronted with legal challenges, but also with possible political upheaval. The coming months will show whether he is able to smooth things over or whether the controversies will overshadow his office.