Lawyers for a man who is also under investigation in the 2007 disappearance of British toddler Madeleine McCann called on Monday for him to be acquitted in his trial on charges of unrelated sexual offenses.

Prosecutors last week urged the Braunschweig state court to convict the 47-year-old German national, who has been identified by local media as Christian Brueckner, of two counts of rape and two of sexual abuse. They argued that he should be given a 15-year-prison sentence and kept in preventive detention once he has served it, though they said he should be acquitted of a third rape charge.

However, the defendant’s defence team said on Monday that an acquittal would be the right outcome. Lawyer Friedrich Fülscher told the court that “there was never a sufficient suspicion” against his client, the German dpa news agency reported.

A verdict was scheduled for Tuesday.

Brueckner has been on trial since February over offences he is alleged to have committed in Portugal between 2000 and 2017. Defence lawyers pointed to what they labelled a lack of evidence and witnesses who weren’t credible, and Fülscher suggested he might not have been charged if he hadn’t also been a suspect in the McCann case.

The suspect has not been charged in the McCann case, in which he is under investigation on suspicion of murder. He spent many years in Portugal, including in the resort of Praia da Luz around the time of Madeleine’s disappearance there in 2007. He has denied any involvement in her disappearance.

He is currently serving a seven-year prison sentence in Germany for a rape in Portugal in 2005. Fülscher said he would seek to have that case reopened, citing new facts that emerged from the current trial, dpa reported.

In July, the court lifted an arrest warrant in the cases at stake in the current trial, citing a lack of “urgent suspicion” against the defendant. But he has remained behind bars because of the sentence he is currently serving.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Lawyers for a man who is also under investigation in the 2007 disappearance of British toddler Madeleine McCann called on Monday for him to be acquitted in his trial on charges of unrelated sexual offenses.

Lawyers for a man who is also under investigation in the 2007 disappearance of British toddler Madeleine McCann called on Monday for him to be acquitted in his trial on charges of unrelated sexual offenses. Prosecutors last week urged the Braunschweig state court to convict the 47-year-old German national, who has been identified by local media as Christian Brueckner, of two counts of rape and two of sexual abuse. They argued that he should be given a 15-year-prison sentence and kept in preventive detention once he has served it, though they said he should be acquitted of a third rape charge. However, the defendant’s defence team said on Monday that an acquittal would be the right outcome. Lawyer Friedrich Fülscher told the court that “there was never a sufficient suspicion” against his client, the German dpa news agency reported. A verdict was scheduled for Tuesday. Brueckner has been on trial since February over offences he is alleged to have committed in Portugal between 2000 and 2017. Defence lawyers pointed to what they labelled a lack of evidence and witnesses who weren’t credible, and Fülscher suggested he might not have been charged if he hadn’t also been a suspect in the McCann case. The suspect has not been charged in the McCann case, in which he is under investigation on suspicion of murder. He spent many years in Portugal, including in the resort of Praia da Luz around the time of Madeleine’s disappearance there in 2007. He has denied any involvement in her disappearance. He is currently serving a seven-year prison sentence in Germany for a rape in Portugal in 2005. Fülscher said he would seek to have that case reopened, citing new facts that emerged from the current trial, dpa reported. In July, the court lifted an arrest warrant in the cases at stake in the current trial, citing a lack of “urgent suspicion” against the defendant. But he has remained behind bars because of the sentence he is currently serving. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

German court acquits McCann case suspect of unrelated sexual offense charges

Germany's highest court on Wednesday backed a far-right party's complaint against former Chancellor Angela Merkel's comments that the election of a state governor with the party's support was "inexcusable"&nbsp;and must not be allowed to stand.

The Federal Constitutional Court found that the comments, made by the then-chancellor in 2020, violated Alternative for Germany's right to equality of opportunities.

&nbsp;Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/merkel-defends-russia-legacy-says-nothing-to-apologise-for-486194">Merkel defends Russia legacy, says 'nothing to apologise for'</a>

Merkel's comments during an official visit to South Africa and later posted on her and the government's websites, came a day after the surprise election of Thomas Kemmerich, a member of the pro-business Free Democrats, as governor of the eastern state of Thuringia.

Kemmerich narrowly defeated a left-wing incumbent after Alternative for Germany representatives in the state legislature voted for him instead of AfD's own candidate.

His election was a major embarrassment for Merkel's center-right Christian Democratic Union, which also had backed Kemmerich.

Watch |&nbsp;Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel defends her Russian policy

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Merkel vented her displeasure during a news conference in South Africa, saying that Kemmerich's election "broke with a fundamental conviction for the CDU, and for me, too, that no majorities should be won with help from AfD."

Later the same day, Kemmerich announced that he planned to step down.

The German supreme court found that Merkel had "negatively qualified" AfD in an official capacity and so "influenced the competition of political parties in a one-sided way."&nbsp;The court further held that the government used resources that only it has in publishing the comments on its websites.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nord-stream-gas-deliveries-to-be-cut-by-a-third-announces-gazprom-488496">Gazprom makes more cuts in Nord Stream gas supplies, Germany fumes</a>

There was some dissent to the decision, which judges made by a 5-3 majority. The ruling doesn't have direct consequences for Merkel.

AfD previously took similar action. In 2020, the top court ruled that Germany's then interior minister violated the party's rights by posting on his ministry's website an interview in which he criticized its behavior as "undermining the state."

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Germany's highest court on Wednesday backed a far-right party's complaint against former Chancellor Angela Merkel's comments that the election of a state governor with the party's support was "inexcusable" and must not be allowed to stand.

Germany's highest court on Wednesday backed a far-right party's complaint against former Chancellor Angela Merkel's comments that the election of a state governor with the party's support was "inexcusable" and must not be allowed to stand. The Federal Constitutional Court found that the comments, made by the then-chancellor in 2020, violated Alternative for Germany's right to equality of opportunities. Also read | Merkel defends Russia legacy, says 'nothing to apologise for' Merkel's comments during an official visit to South Africa and later posted on her and the government's websites, came a day after the surprise election of Thomas Kemmerich, a member of the pro-business Free Democrats, as governor of the eastern state of Thuringia. Kemmerich narrowly defeated a left-wing incumbent after Alternative for Germany representatives in the state legislature voted for him instead of AfD's own candidate. His election was a major embarrassment for Merkel's center-right Christian Democratic Union, which also had backed Kemmerich. Watch | Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel defends her Russian policy Merkel vented her displeasure during a news conference in South Africa, saying that Kemmerich's election "broke with a fundamental conviction for the CDU, and for me, too, that no majorities should be won with help from AfD." Later the same day, Kemmerich announced that he planned to step down. The German supreme court found that Merkel had "negatively qualified" AfD in an official capacity and so "influenced the competition of political parties in a one-sided way." The court further held that the government used resources that only it has in publishing the comments on its websites. Also read | Gazprom makes more cuts in Nord Stream gas supplies, Germany fumes There was some dissent to the decision, which judges made by a 5-3 majority. The ruling doesn't have direct consequences for Merkel. AfD previously took similar action. In 2020, the top court ruled that Germany's then interior minister violated the party's rights by posting on his ministry's website an interview in which he criticized its behavior as "undermining the state." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Top German court backs far-right party over Merkel's comments

Germany's top court ruled on Tuesday that an anti-Semitic, medieval&nbsp;sculpture&nbsp;can stay on the facade of a church in the eastern town of Wittenberg, rejecting an appeal by a Jewish plaintiff who has for years argued it is an insult to all Jews.

The 13th century "Judensau" or "Jew Sow" on the town church depicts a caricature of a rabbi lifting the tail of a sow and two Jewish children suckling on the teats. Pigs are considered unclean in Judaism.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/5700-acts-of-sexual-abuse-committed-by-german-catholic-priests-report-487938">5,700 acts of sexual abuse committed by German Catholic priests: Report</a>

At a time when politicians are warning about rising anti-Semitism in Germany, the ruling is a reminder of widespread anti-Jewish sentiment in the Middle Ages.

The plaintiff has been waging a court battle for years to have the sandstone carving, about 4 metres from the ground, removed.

However, the Federal Court of Justice, the country's top appeals court, upheld rulings from lower courts which dismissed the case, saying there was no breach of the law.

The transformation over the years of the relief into a memorial that was testimony to the Christian Church's centuries-long anti-Jewish attitudes was one way to avoid a violation of the law, said the court in a statement.

Watch |&nbsp;German-Kurdish archaeological team discover 3,400-year-old city in Iraq

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In November 1988, fifty years after Kristallnacht when Jewish property was set alight and destroyed in Nazi Germany, the church installed a bronze plaque under the relief remembering the six million Jews who perished in the Holocaust and an information board.

The Wittenberg stone carving is one of about two dozen similar&nbsp;sculptures from the Middle Ages that still feature on churches around Germany and elsewhere in Europe.

The Central Council of Jews said it understood the court's decision but that, in its view, the floor plate and explanatory display did not go far enough and the church must acknowledge its guilt and condemn its centuries-long anti-Judaism.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/planning-to-hunt-jews-during-football-match-four-neo-nazis-arrested-in-france-485006">'Planning to hunt Jews during football match': Four neo-Nazis arrested in France</a>

"The defamation of Jews by the church must be a thing of the past once and for all," said Council President Josef Schuster.

Wittenberg was also the town where Martin Luther is said to have nailed his theses challenging Catholicism to a church door in 1517 which led to the Protestant Reformation in Germany.

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Germany's top court ruled on Tuesday that an anti-Semitic, medieval sculpture can stay on the facade of a church in the eastern town of Wittenberg, rejecting an appeal by a Jewish plaintiff who has for years argued it is an insult to all Jews.

Germany's top court ruled on Tuesday that an anti-Semitic, medieval sculpture can stay on the facade of a church in the eastern town of Wittenberg, rejecting an appeal by a Jewish plaintiff who has for years argued it is an insult to all Jews. The 13th century "Judensau" or "Jew Sow" on the town church depicts a caricature of a rabbi lifting the tail of a sow and two Jewish children suckling on the teats. Pigs are considered unclean in Judaism. Also read | 5,700 acts of sexual abuse committed by German Catholic priests: Report At a time when politicians are warning about rising anti-Semitism in Germany, the ruling is a reminder of widespread anti-Jewish sentiment in the Middle Ages. The plaintiff has been waging a court battle for years to have the sandstone carving, about 4 metres from the ground, removed. However, the Federal Court of Justice, the country's top appeals court, upheld rulings from lower courts which dismissed the case, saying there was no breach of the law. The transformation over the years of the relief into a memorial that was testimony to the Christian Church's centuries-long anti-Jewish attitudes was one way to avoid a violation of the law, said the court in a statement. Watch | German-Kurdish archaeological team discover 3,400-year-old city in Iraq In November 1988, fifty years after Kristallnacht when Jewish property was set alight and destroyed in Nazi Germany, the church installed a bronze plaque under the relief remembering the six million Jews who perished in the Holocaust and an information board. The Wittenberg stone carving is one of about two dozen similar sculptures from the Middle Ages that still feature on churches around Germany and elsewhere in Europe. The Central Council of Jews said it understood the court's decision but that, in its view, the floor plate and explanatory display did not go far enough and the church must acknowledge its guilt and condemn its centuries-long anti-Judaism. Also read | 'Planning to hunt Jews during football match': Four neo-Nazis arrested in France "The defamation of Jews by the church must be a thing of the past once and for all," said Council President Josef Schuster. Wittenberg was also the town where Martin Luther is said to have nailed his theses challenging Catholicism to a church door in 1517 which led to the Protestant Reformation in Germany. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Anti-Jewish medieval sculpture can stay on church, top German court rules

A 39-year-old woman from West Germany was jailed for poking holes in&nbsp;her partner’s condom in order to get pregnant.

According to media reports, a regional court in Bielefeld city charged the woman with sexual assault after finding her guilty of&nbsp;"stealthing"&nbsp;with her 42-year-old "friend with benefits"&nbsp;partner.

Stealthing is the practice of removing a condom midway through intercourse and then concealing it from the partner.

Usually, men are found to be convicted for this offence, but this is the first time that a woman was penalised.

The two reportedly met online at the beginning of 2021 and began a casual, sexual relationship.

The woman later developed stronger feelings for her partner, who did not reciprocate and wanted to keep it casual, reported local newspaper Neue Westfälische.

The woman, who remains unidentified, then came up with a plan of getting pregnant and secretly poked holes in the package of condoms that her partner kept in his nightstand.

But her efforts were reportedly unsuccessful.

Despite not getting pregnant, the woman admitted to her partner that she had sabotaged his condoms and lied about being pregnant.

The man then reportedly pressed charges against the woman.

According to DW, prosecutors and the court were initially unsure which specific charges to levy against the 39-year-old despite agreeing that a crime had been committed.

"We have written legal history here today," Judge Astrid Salewski reportedly told the court.

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After first probing whether the crime constituted rape, the judge decided a charge of sexual assault was fitting after reading about the crime of "stealthing" while reviewing case law.

"This provision also applies in the reverse case. The condoms were rendered unusable without the man's knowledge or his consent," Salewski said in her decision.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A 39-year-old woman from West Germany was jailed for poking holes in her partner’s condom in order to get pregnant. According to media reports, a regional court in Bielefeld city charged the woman with sexual assault after finding her guilty of "stealthing" with her 42-year-old "friend with benefits" partner.

A 39-year-old woman from West Germany was jailed for poking holes in her partner’s condom in order to get pregnant. According to media reports, a regional court in Bielefeld city charged the woman with sexual assault after finding her guilty of "stealthing" with her 42-year-old "friend with benefits" partner. Stealthing is the practice of removing a condom midway through intercourse and then concealing it from the partner. Usually, men are found to be convicted for this offence, but this is the first time that a woman was penalised. The two reportedly met online at the beginning of 2021 and began a casual, sexual relationship. The woman later developed stronger feelings for her partner, who did not reciprocate and wanted to keep it casual, reported local newspaper Neue Westfälische. The woman, who remains unidentified, then came up with a plan of getting pregnant and secretly poked holes in the package of condoms that her partner kept in his nightstand. But her efforts were reportedly unsuccessful. Despite not getting pregnant, the woman admitted to her partner that she had sabotaged his condoms and lied about being pregnant. The man then reportedly pressed charges against the woman. According to DW, prosecutors and the court were initially unsure which specific charges to levy against the 39-year-old despite agreeing that a crime had been committed. "We have written legal history here today," Judge Astrid Salewski reportedly told the court. Also read | Is abortion legal in India? What does the law say? After first probing whether the crime constituted rape, the judge decided a charge of sexual assault was fitting after reading about the crime of "stealthing" while reviewing case law. "This provision also applies in the reverse case. The condoms were rendered unusable without the man's knowledge or his consent," Salewski said in her decision. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE

German woman pokes holes in partner's condoms to get pregnant, jailed

A German court has sentenced a former intelligence officer to a life in prison for murder, rape and crimes against humanity during Syria’s civil war after a landmark trial.

Ex-officer sentenced to life imprisonment for Syrian war crimes after landmark German trial

In a tit-for-tat move, Russia on Monday expelled two German diplomats after Berlin ordered two Russian diplomats to leave the country over the German court verdict last week which said Russian authorities were involved in the assassination of an ex-Chechen commander in a Berlin park two years ago.

A German court had sentenced a Russian operative&nbsp;Vadim Krasikov for murdering an ex-Chechen commander Tornike Khangoshvili in Berlin. German authorities had summoned the Russian ambassador after the court verdict and announced two of its diplomatic staff employees would be expelled.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-expels-russian-diplomats-after-court-accuses-russia-of-state-terrorism-in-berlin-park-murder-case-437205">Also Read:&nbsp;Germany expels Russian diplomats after court accuses Russia of 'state terrorism'</a>

The German court said it was an act of "state terrorism" by Russia since Khangoshvili had given up his fight against Russia several years ago.

Russia had called the verdict "not objective and politically motivated". Russian President Putin had reportedly called Khangashvili a "bloody terrorist".

Watch:&nbsp;Germany expels two Russian diplomats over killing of former Chechen militant

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Russia however maintained the German court's view was "completely divorced from reality" even as German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock said the murder of the Georgian national was carried out on "state orders" asserting that it was a violation of German law.

Khangoshvili was reportedly killed in broad daylight as the judge after examining the evidence declared that Russia had decided to "liquidate Khangoshvili in Berlin".&nbsp;

"Four children lost their father, two siblings their brother," the judge said.

The German court spokesperson later said that Russia's actions were "illegal" while adding that "another state can't just send a contract killer to eliminate regime critics on German soil."

The spokesperson added that the assassin had entered Germany disguised as a tourist and carried out the murder with aides stationed in Berlin.

"Russian government offices were responsible for the contract killing," Berlin court spokesperson Lisa Jani had said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Agencies)

In a tit-for-tat move, Russia on Monday expelled two German diplomats after Berlin ordered two Russian diplomats to leave the country over the German court verdict last week which said Russian authorities were involved in the assassination of an ex-Chechen commander in a Berlin park two years ago.

In a tit-for-tat move, Russia on Monday expelled two German diplomats after Berlin ordered two Russian diplomats to leave the country over the German court verdict last week which said Russian authorities were involved in the assassination of an ex-Chechen commander in a Berlin park two years ago. A German court had sentenced a Russian operative Vadim Krasikov for murdering an ex-Chechen commander Tornike Khangoshvili in Berlin. German authorities had summoned the Russian ambassador after the court verdict and announced two of its diplomatic staff employees would be expelled. Also Read: Germany expels Russian diplomats after court accuses Russia of 'state terrorism' The German court said it was an act of "state terrorism" by Russia since Khangoshvili had given up his fight against Russia several years ago. Russia had called the verdict "not objective and politically motivated". Russian President Putin had reportedly called Khangashvili a "bloody terrorist". Watch: Germany expels two Russian diplomats over killing of former Chechen militant Russia however maintained the German court's view was "completely divorced from reality" even as German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock said the murder of the Georgian national was carried out on "state orders" asserting that it was a violation of German law. Khangoshvili was reportedly killed in broad daylight as the judge after examining the evidence declared that Russia had decided to "liquidate Khangoshvili in Berlin". "Four children lost their father, two siblings their brother," the judge said. The German court spokesperson later said that Russia's actions were "illegal" while adding that "another state can't just send a contract killer to eliminate regime critics on German soil." The spokesperson added that the assassin had entered Germany disguised as a tourist and carried out the murder with aides stationed in Berlin. "Russian government offices were responsible for the contract killing," Berlin court spokesperson Lisa Jani had said. (With inputs from Agencies)

Berlin park murder: Now, Russia expels German diplomats

A German court on Monday found a woman guilty of "crimes against humanity in the form of enslavement" for allowing a Yazidi girl to die of thirst.

Jennifer Wenisch, 30, was found guilty of letting a&nbsp;five-year-old Yazidi girl die and also for joining the&nbsp;Islamic State (IS) terrorist organisation.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/islamic-state-supporter-charged-in-murder-of-uk-lawmaker-david-amess-422797">Also Read |&nbsp;Islamic State supporter charged in murder of UK lawmaker David Amess</a>

The German woman was sentenced to 10 years in prison by the country's court.

Wenisch had reportedly joined the terrorist group in 2014 and had "enslaved" the Yazidi girl along with her husband who also belonged to the Islamic State.

The Munich court found the girl was chained in an open courtyard in the sun. The court charged Wenisch for abetting murder among other charges.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/islamic-state-supporter-charged-in-murder-of-uk-lawmaker-david-amess-422797">Also Read |&nbsp;Islamic State supporter charged in murder of UK lawmaker David Amess</a>

Federal prosecutor Claudia Gorf called the verdict "decisive" after the case was brought forward by the mother of the child.

Watch: Islamic State has China on its hit list

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The Islamic State has reportedly carried out large scale atrocities against the Yazidi community including enslaving and illegally transporting thousands from Iraq.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/im-islamic-state-soldier-main-suspect-shouts-at-judge-as-2015-paris-attacks-trial-starts-411891">Also Read|&nbsp;I'm Islamic State soldier': Suspect shouts at judge</a>

Wenisch reportedly moved around in IS-occupied Fallujah and Mosul. She was arrested in Turkey and extradited to Germany in 2018.

(With inputs from Agencies)

A German court on Monday found a woman guilty of "crimes against humanity in the form of enslavement" for allowing a Yazidi girl to die of thirst. Jennifer Wenisch, 30, was found guilty of letting a five-year-old Yazidi girl die and also for joining the Islamic State (IS) terrorist organisation.

A German court on Monday found a woman guilty of "crimes against humanity in the form of enslavement" for allowing a Yazidi girl to die of thirst. Jennifer Wenisch, 30, was found guilty of letting a five-year-old Yazidi girl die and also for joining the Islamic State (IS) terrorist organisation. Also Read | Islamic State supporter charged in murder of UK lawmaker David Amess The German woman was sentenced to 10 years in prison by the country's court. Wenisch had reportedly joined the terrorist group in 2014 and had "enslaved" the Yazidi girl along with her husband who also belonged to the Islamic State. The Munich court found the girl was chained in an open courtyard in the sun. The court charged Wenisch for abetting murder among other charges. Also Read | Islamic State supporter charged in murder of UK lawmaker David Amess Federal prosecutor Claudia Gorf called the verdict "decisive" after the case was brought forward by the mother of the child. Watch: Islamic State has China on its hit list The Islamic State has reportedly carried out large scale atrocities against the Yazidi community including enslaving and illegally transporting thousands from Iraq. Also Read| I'm Islamic State soldier': Suspect shouts at judge Wenisch reportedly moved around in IS-occupied Fallujah and Mosul. She was arrested in Turkey and extradited to Germany in 2018. (With inputs from Agencies)

Islamic State woman gets jail term in Germany for allowing Yazidi child to die

The High Administrative Court for Berlin-Brandenburg ordered Tesla to stop cleaning trees in a wooded area near Berlin until the environmental group's appeal was considered.

German High Administrative Court orders Tesla not to cut trees for 'new factory setup' near Berlin

&nbsp;A German court has banned <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/ola-uber-offer-free-services-to-mumbai-citizens-19662">Uber services</a> in Germany arguing the US ride-hailing company lacks a necessary license to offer passenger transport services using rental cars.

The verdict is effective immediately, but can be appealed, the Frankfurt regional court said in a statement on Thursday.

The court in 2015 forbids Uber from matching up drivers using their own cars with ride hailers.

Uber's service, which lets customers hail rides carried out in rented cars, is also illegal as it violated competition rules, the court said.

Uber was not immediately available for comment.

A German court has banned Uber services in Germany arguing the US ride-hailing company lacks a necessary license to offer passenger transport services using rental cars.

A German court has banned Uber services in Germany arguing the US ride-hailing company lacks a necessary license to offer passenger transport services using rental cars. The verdict is effective immediately, but can be appealed, the Frankfurt regional court said in a statement on Thursday. The court in 2015 forbids Uber from matching up drivers using their own cars with ride hailers. Uber's service, which lets customers hail rides carried out in rented cars, is also illegal as it violated competition rules, the court said. Uber was not immediately available for comment.

German court bans Uber services via rental cars

Police searched courtrooms in at least seven German cities on Friday after bomb threats and security alerts, with at least one emailed warning signed: "Nazi offensive", officials and media said.

Police said they temporarily evacuated or searched courts in the eastern city of Potsdam, the western cities of Wiesbaden and Saarbruecken, as well as in the central cities of Magdeburg and Erfurt and in the northern ports of Kiel and Hamburg.

German Justice Minister Katarina Barley condemned the bomb threats and a separate arson attack on the Federal Supreme Court in Leipzig on Dec. 31 which was reportedly claimed by a radical leftist group.

"Those who threaten courts attack the independent judiciary and our democratic society," Barley said.

She said it was imperative to investigate the cases carefully and hold the perpetrators accountable.

None of the searches conducted on Friday revealed any explosive devices, police and media reported.

However, the bomb threats caused disruption in the affected cities. Dozens of people were evacuated and court proceedings were interrupted as court buildings were searched and in most cases evacuated. Some adjacent streets were also closed temporarily.

Oliver Pohl, police spokesman in Kiel, said city officials received an emailed bomb threat late on Thursday that was signed with the words: "Nazi offensive."

He said there was no information thus far about the identity of the perpetrator, and authorities in affected cities were comparing notes. The court in Kiel had received a separate bomb threat in December, although that one was delivered via a public "comment" website, not an email, a spokesman said.

A spokesman for the force covering Wiesbaden said it was too early to say if there was a link between the various bomb threats. "The investigation just began," said Johannes Neumann.

A spokeswoman for Germany's Federal Criminal Police said it knew of the bomb threats solely through media reports and was not currently involved in any investigation.

The threats came after an attack in Leipzig on New Year's Eve, when tires were set aflame outside the federal court building and a wooden emergency door was set on fire. Local officials estimated over 100,000 euros in damages was causued.

Bild newspaper reported last week that a radical leftist group had claimed responsibility.

Police searched courtrooms in at least seven German cities on Friday after bomb threats and security alerts, with at least one emailed warning signed: "Nazi offensive", officials and media said.

Police searched courtrooms in at least seven German cities on Friday after bomb threats and security alerts, with at least one emailed warning signed: "Nazi offensive", officials and media said. Police said they temporarily evacuated or searched courts in the eastern city of Potsdam, the western cities of Wiesbaden and Saarbruecken, as well as in the central cities of Magdeburg and Erfurt and in the northern ports of Kiel and Hamburg. German Justice Minister Katarina Barley condemned the bomb threats and a separate arson attack on the Federal Supreme Court in Leipzig on Dec. 31 which was reportedly claimed by a radical leftist group. "Those who threaten courts attack the independent judiciary and our democratic society," Barley said. She said it was imperative to investigate the cases carefully and hold the perpetrators accountable. None of the searches conducted on Friday revealed any explosive devices, police and media reported. However, the bomb threats caused disruption in the affected cities. Dozens of people were evacuated and court proceedings were interrupted as court buildings were searched and in most cases evacuated. Some adjacent streets were also closed temporarily. Oliver Pohl, police spokesman in Kiel, said city officials received an emailed bomb threat late on Thursday that was signed with the words: "Nazi offensive." He said there was no information thus far about the identity of the perpetrator, and authorities in affected cities were comparing notes. The court in Kiel had received a separate bomb threat in December, although that one was delivered via a public "comment" website, not an email, a spokesman said. A spokesman for the force covering Wiesbaden said it was too early to say if there was a link between the various bomb threats. "The investigation just began," said Johannes Neumann. A spokeswoman for Germany's Federal Criminal Police said it knew of the bomb threats solely through media reports and was not currently involved in any investigation. The threats came after an attack in Leipzig on New Year's Eve, when tires were set aflame outside the federal court building and a wooden emergency door was set on fire. Local officials estimated over 100,000 euros in damages was causued. Bild newspaper reported last week that a radical leftist group had claimed responsibility.

Police evacuate at least six German courts after bomb threats

A German court on Thursday rejected an extradition request for Catalonia's former leader Carles Puigdemont on the charge of rebellion for his role in the campaign for the region's independence.

The court agreed to release Puigdemont on bail and said extradition to Spain was possible on the lesser charge of misuse of public funds. The former Catalan leader was arrested last month on a Spanish-issued arrest warrant as he entered Germany.

The ruling means Puigdemont, who fled Spain five months ago for Belgium after Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy dismissed his regional administration, cannot be tried for rebellion in Spain once extradited on the lesser charge, a German court spokeswoman said.

"The court must now decide if extradition for embezzlement is a possibility," said spokeswoman Frauke Holmer.

"If that is the case, and Mr Puidgemont can be extradited for embezzlement of public money, then a prosecution for rebellion is not possible."

Spain respects the German court's decision, a Spanish government spokeswoman said earlier.

Spain's Supreme Court reactivated international arrest warrants last month for Puigdemont and four other Catalan politicians who went into self-imposed exile last year.

Asked by Reuters whether the German court was correct to say Puigdemont could not now be put on trial for rebellion, neither the Spanish government nor the Supreme Court would comment.

The German court said the rebellion charge Puigdemont faced in Spain was not a criminal offence in Germany, while the violence component that would justify a high treason charge was also lacking.

"The actions for which the subject is being prosecuted would not be criminal under German law," the court spokeswoman said.

The charge of rebellion can bring up to 25 years in prison in Spain.

The German court set bail at 75,000 euros ($92,000). Puigdemont must remain in Germany while extradition proceedings continue and must report weekly to police, the court spokeswoman said.

"There is a risk of flight," the court said in its explanation of its decision to grant bail. "But since extradition on rebellion charges is impermissible, the risk of flight is substantially lessened."

Puigdemont is arranging the transfer of the bail money to Germany, his German lawyer Wolfgang Schomburg told Reuters in a telephone conversation.

"We hope that we can arrange it so that by tomorrow morning he is a free man and can live in Germany in the following days and weeks," he said.

"We seriously hope Spain will be intelligent enough to withdraw the entire European arrest warrant."

Puigdemont entered Germany on his way back from Finland to Belgium, where he had been living in self-imposed exile.

A German court on Thursday rejected an extradition request for Catalonia's former leader Carles Puigdemont on the charge of rebellion for his role in the campaign for the region's independence

A German court on Thursday rejected an extradition request for Catalonia's former leader Carles Puigdemont on the charge of rebellion for his role in the campaign for the region's independence. The court agreed to release Puigdemont on bail and said extradition to Spain was possible on the lesser charge of misuse of public funds. The former Catalan leader was arrested last month on a Spanish-issued arrest warrant as he entered Germany. The ruling means Puigdemont, who fled Spain five months ago for Belgium after Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy dismissed his regional administration, cannot be tried for rebellion in Spain once extradited on the lesser charge, a German court spokeswoman said. "The court must now decide if extradition for embezzlement is a possibility," said spokeswoman Frauke Holmer. "If that is the case, and Mr Puidgemont can be extradited for embezzlement of public money, then a prosecution for rebellion is not possible." Spain respects the German court's decision, a Spanish government spokeswoman said earlier. Spain's Supreme Court reactivated international arrest warrants last month for Puigdemont and four other Catalan politicians who went into self-imposed exile last year. Asked by Reuters whether the German court was correct to say Puigdemont could not now be put on trial for rebellion, neither the Spanish government nor the Supreme Court would comment. The German court said the rebellion charge Puigdemont faced in Spain was not a criminal offence in Germany, while the violence component that would justify a high treason charge was also lacking. "The actions for which the subject is being prosecuted would not be criminal under German law," the court spokeswoman said. The charge of rebellion can bring up to 25 years in prison in Spain. The German court set bail at 75,000 euros ($92,000). Puigdemont must remain in Germany while extradition proceedings continue and must report weekly to police, the court spokeswoman said. "There is a risk of flight," the court said in its explanation of its decision to grant bail. "But since extradition on rebellion charges is impermissible, the risk of flight is substantially lessened." Puigdemont is arranging the transfer of the bail money to Germany, his German lawyer Wolfgang Schomburg told Reuters in a telephone conversation. "We hope that we can arrange it so that by tomorrow morning he is a free man and can live in Germany in the following days and weeks," he said. "We seriously hope Spain will be intelligent enough to withdraw the entire European arrest warrant." Puigdemont entered Germany on his way back from Finland to Belgium, where he had been living in self-imposed exile.

German court rejects extradition of former Catalan leader on rebellion charge

A German court began hearing an appeal Monday by a Peruvian farmer who accuses energy giant RWE of contributing to climate change that is threatening his home and livelihood in the Andes.

Saul Luciano Lliuya argues that RWE, as a major historic emitter of greenhouse gases, must share in the cost of protecting his hometown Huaraz from a swollen glacier lake at risk of overflowing from melting snow and ice.

A lower court in the western city of Essen where RWE is based dismissed the initial lawsuit last December, ruling that Luciano had failed to demonstrate a direct link between the German utility and the flood risk.

Luciano, who is also a mountain guide, is now hoping the higher court in the city of Hamm will side with him in what German media have likened to a &quot;David versus Goliath&quot; battle.

&quot;RWE is one of the largest emitters in the world,&quot; the father-of-two said in a statement issued by the pressure group Germanwatch, which has been advising him.

&quot;These companies have not taken responsibility for the consequences of their emissions. You don&#39;t have to be a lawyer to know this isn&#39;t just,&quot; the 37-year-old added.

Luciano wants RWE to pay 17,000 euros ($20,000) to help pay for flood defenses for his community in Peru&#39;s northern Ancash region.

He also wants the German company to reimburse him for the 6,384 euros he himself has spent on protective measures.

Luciano bases his claims on a 2013 climate study which found that RWE was responsible for 0.5 percent of global emissions &quot;since the beginning of industrialization&quot; -- which he says makes it at least partly responsible for his plight.

- Climate in spotlight - 
RWE, Germany&#39;s second-largest electricity producer, has long insisted the Peruvian&#39;s case has no legal basis, arguing that a single company cannot be held liable for the global consequences of climate change.

A spokesman told AFP last year that RWE did not understand why it had been singled out for legal action, and stressed the efforts the company had made to become more environmentally friendly.

As well as modernizing its coal-fired power plants to reduce climate-altering carbon dioxide emissions, RWE has invested billions in renewable energy as part of Germany&#39;s move away from fossil fuels, the spokesman said.

Luciano&#39;s lawyer Roda Verheyen, however, said she continues to believe her client has a winnable case that could set a precedent for so-called &quot;climate justice&quot; cases.

&quot;The risk of flooding in Huaraz is a consequence of anthropogenic global warming and therefore a consequence of the defendant&#39;s emissions,&quot; she said in a statement.

&quot;We can prove it and we want to prove it.&quot;

Luciano has traveled from Peru to attend the start of the appeal proceedings in person.

The case comes as climate change is once again in the global spotlight with the UN climate talks taking place in Bonn, a two-hour drive away from the Hamm courthouse.

Thousands of diplomats from around the world have gathered there to negotiate the &quot;rulebook&quot; for the 2015 Paris climate agreement, which goes into effect in 2020.

The pact calls for capping global warming at &quot;well under&quot; two degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels, and 1.5 C if possible. 
&nbsp;

A lower court in the western city of Essen where RWE is based dismissed the initial lawsuit last December, ruling that Luciano had failed to demonstrate a direct link between the German utility and the flood risk.

A German court began hearing an appeal Monday by a Peruvian farmer who accuses energy giant RWE of contributing to climate change that is threatening his home and livelihood in the Andes. Saul Luciano Lliuya argues that RWE, as a major historic emitter of greenhouse gases, must share in the cost of protecting his hometown Huaraz from a swollen glacier lake at risk of overflowing from melting snow and ice. A lower court in the western city of Essen where RWE is based dismissed the initial lawsuit last December, ruling that Luciano had failed to demonstrate a direct link between the German utility and the flood risk. Luciano, who is also a mountain guide, is now hoping the higher court in the city of Hamm will side with him in what German media have likened to a "David versus Goliath" battle. "RWE is one of the largest emitters in the world," the father-of-two said in a statement issued by the pressure group Germanwatch, which has been advising him. "These companies have not taken responsibility for the consequences of their emissions. You don't have to be a lawyer to know this isn't just," the 37-year-old added. Luciano wants RWE to pay 17,000 euros ($20,000) to help pay for flood defenses for his community in Peru's northern Ancash region. He also wants the German company to reimburse him for the 6,384 euros he himself has spent on protective measures. Luciano bases his claims on a 2013 climate study which found that RWE was responsible for 0.5 percent of global emissions "since the beginning of industrialization" -- which he says makes it at least partly responsible for his plight. - Climate in spotlight - RWE, Germany's second-largest electricity producer, has long insisted the Peruvian's case has no legal basis, arguing that a single company cannot be held liable for the global consequences of climate change. A spokesman told AFP last year that RWE did not understand why it had been singled out for legal action, and stressed the efforts the company had made to become more environmentally friendly. As well as modernizing its coal-fired power plants to reduce climate-altering carbon dioxide emissions, RWE has invested billions in renewable energy as part of Germany's move away from fossil fuels, the spokesman said. Luciano's lawyer Roda Verheyen, however, said she continues to believe her client has a winnable case that could set a precedent for so-called "climate justice" cases. "The risk of flooding in Huaraz is a consequence of anthropogenic global warming and therefore a consequence of the defendant's emissions," she said in a statement. "We can prove it and we want to prove it." Luciano has traveled from Peru to attend the start of the appeal proceedings in person. The case comes as climate change is once again in the global spotlight with the UN climate talks taking place in Bonn, a two-hour drive away from the Hamm courthouse. Thousands of diplomats from around the world have gathered there to negotiate the "rulebook" for the 2015 Paris climate agreement, which goes into effect in 2020. The pact calls for capping global warming at "well under" two degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels, and 1.5 C if possible.

German court hears Peruvian farmer's climate change appeal

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