Following the arrest of August Hanning, the former President of the Federal Intelligence Service (BND), on suspicion of espionage, his defense attorney has lodged a petition for relief with the Federal Court of Justice.
Speaking to Spiegel, Hanning’s defense argued that further investigations will prove Hanning did not betray any state secrets and lacked the requisite intent to do so. The jurist also offered considerable criticism regarding the conduct of the investigating authorities. He claimed that essential documents were classified and secret, which unfortunately prevents him, as his defense counsel, from discussing the contents of the arrest warrant. He announced that he intends to file a motion requesting that these secrecy restrictions be lifted.
Hanning was detained on October 6th on the grounds of espionage.
