The Berlin Regional Court has approved the prosecution by the public prosecutor’s office against Patricia Schlesinger, the former managing director of the Rundfunks Berlin-Brandenburg (RBB), who is facing charges of breach of trust. The trial is scheduled to begin on November 10, with an initial plan for 56 hearing days continuing until the end of June 2027.
The indictment extends beyond Schlesinger and includes three other former senior RBB employees. The core of the accusations relates to the improper payment of variable compensation and allowances between 2018 and 2022. Schlesinger is specifically accused of 26 cases of breach of trust, while the former board chairman, Schlesinger’s former administrative board chairman, and the former legal director face charges of 13, 5, and 6 cases, respectively. Seven of these cases are alleged to be particularly severe.
In addition to the compensation issues, the accused also face charges concerning unauthorized retirement and leave arrangements for staff, as well as the RBB reimbursing private entertainment and travel expenses.
The suspects are denying the accusations. The investigation began in August 2022 following the emergence of the allegations. Authorities have reminded the public that the presumption of innocence applies.
