Because of false RBB reports: Stefan Gelbhaar demands more than half a million euros in damages
After partly fabricated accusations against Bundestag member Stefan Gelbhaar, the Green politician now wants compensation from RBB.
Former Green Party member of the Bundestag Stefan Gelbhaar is apparently demanding considerable compensation from Rundfunk Berlin-Brandenburg ( RBB ). As the online magazine Business Insider reports , Gelbhaar is demanding a high six-figure sum - including 500,000 euros in compensation and a further amount for lost income as a member of the Bundestag.
The background is a report by the RBB evening news from the end of December 2024, in which serious allegations against Gelbhaar were reported. As it turned out a few weeks later, however, the accusations were based on partially forged affidavits. The RBB had to withdraw the article, editor-in-chief David Biesinger admitted serious journalistic errors on the part of his station and apologized to Gelbhaar. Among other things, the editorial team had not met an alleged key witness in person. As it turned out, the person does not exist.
Due to the allegations, Stefan Gelbhaar had to give up his candidacy for second place on the state list of the Greens. He later also lost his direct candidacy in Berlin-Pankow and thus his chance of a seat in the Bundestag. His political career has been destroyed for the time being. At the end of January, the RBB commissioned an external commission of inquiry to investigate the scandal. The commission's findings are expected on March 3.
In an interview with the Berliner Zeitung, Stefan Gelbhaar stressed that previous reports by the broadcaster in which accusations had already been made against him must also be taken into account. As long as the investigation is not complete, he will not accept an apology from the broadcaster, said Gelbhaar. He is apparently also demanding considerable compensation. Gelbhaar could not be reached for comment on Wednesday evening.
Do you have feedback? Write to us! [email protected]
Berliner-zeitung
