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Broad cross-party support for the CDU politician
The Darmstadt public prosecutor's office is investigating Paul Georg Wandrey (CDU), the head of the public order department, on suspicion of violating official secrets. The investigation stems from a fatal attack on a 57-year-old homeless man on November 15, 2023, in Luisenplatz. Two brothers, aged 15 and 18, are alleged to have brutally attacked the victim. According to current findings, the 15-year-old kicked the man, who was lying on the ground, up to 80 times in the head. The man died in the hospital the following day.
The crime was recorded by surveillance cameras and caused widespread shock. According to the public prosecutor's office, Wandrey allegedly leaked details from the surveillance video to the press.
Wandrey rejects the allegations
The CDU politician believes he is in the right: “Following the murder of a homeless man in November 2023, I received several press inquiries. The public not only has a right to information, but also demands a statement from those politically responsible. Crimes on Luisenplatz are always linked to a political discussion about video surveillance, which is why I have taken a clear stance.”
Wandrey emphasizes that he is convinced of the legality of his actions and will defend himself in court.
Support from the CDU Darmstadt
The CDU Darmstadt stands united behind its party chairman. "Paul Georg Wandrey has fulfilled his political responsibility to satisfy the public's legitimate interest in information," declared deputy party chairwoman Caroline Groß. Her party colleague Anne Jähn also expressed confidence: "We are certain that the proceedings will clearly demonstrate that he acted responsibly and conscientiously."
Backing from city politics
Mayor Hanno Benz also commented on the investigation. He emphasized that Wandrey would face the proceedings with legal support and shared his view that political leaders must take a stand in such cases.
Criticism of the charges also came from the Green Party. Party spokesman Heiko Depner described the investigation as "more than questionable" and declared: "A public order officer who speaks out publicly after a brutal act of violence is now being criminalized – that's absurd." Depner welcomed the fact that Wandrey herself had brought the debate to public attention and praised the fact that no party had used the charges for political attacks.
The trial against Paul Georg Wandrey is expected to take place before the Darmstadt District Court on March 12, 2025.
DARMSTADT – RED / Archive photo: Arthur Schönbein)
