Enlarge image
Christoph Metzelder: Ex-professional footballer in court
Photo: WOLFGANG RATTAY / REUTERS
The trial against soccer vice world champion Christoph Metzelder began in Düsseldorf with the indictment being read out.
The 40-year-old is accused of having owned child and youth pornography.
He is said to have forwarded a total of 29 files to three women.
The trial is taking place at the district court, which had emphasized that the 40-year-old is considered innocent until the proceedings have been finalized.
He has not yet commented publicly on the allegations.
Metzelder rejects the allegations, as the district court had announced.
SPIEGEL had repeatedly asked its lawyers to comment in vain.
The allegations against Metzelder became known in September 2019.
Should Metzelder be found guilty, he faces a prison sentence of between three months and five years.
That is the legal penalty.
The Düsseldorf District Court has set three trial days for the case until May 10th.
bbr / dpa
