Menden graffiti probe faces criticism over rushed raids

Internal Criticism of Public Prosecutor's Office in Menden Case - Graffiti case in Menden sparks legal backlash over flawed police raids

The handling of a graffiti case in Menden has come under fire from the state prosecutor general in Hamm. The investigation, led by the Arnsberg prosecutor's office, is now facing criticism for procedural flaws. At the centre of the controversy are raids on a young SPD politician's home and the parents of an acquaintance, linked to graffiti near a venue where Friedrich Merz was set to speak.

The case began when graffiti appeared near the event location for then-CDU chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz. Police and prosecutors quickly coordinated to secure a search warrant and analyse cell tower data. However, the state prosecutor general has since raised 'serious concerns' about the rushed process, arguing that the responsible prosecutor should have reviewed the case files more carefully before taking action.

The raids targeted the home of a young SPD politician and the parents of an acquaintance. A young woman challenged the search with support from former Justice Minister Thomas Kutschaty and won her case at the Arnsberg Regional Court. Two USB drives and a notebook seized from her were only returned recently, despite claims from the prosecutor's office in September that all items had already been given back.

The young man's lawyer also succeeded in a similar appeal, though evidence collected during the raids may still be used. His laptop and spray cans remain in police custody for further forensic analysis. Both suspects have either denied involvement or declined to comment, leaving the investigation ongoing.

The prosecutor general found no justification for the urgency of the raids. Additionally, police failed to follow a prosecutor's order from last summer, and the prosecutor did not pursue this non-compliance.

The case remains under investigation, with seized items still held for analysis. The prosecutor general's criticism highlights procedural shortcomings in how the raids were conducted. Legal challenges by the affected individuals have already led to some evidence being excluded, though further rulings may follow.