As of: February 20, 2024, 5:51 p.m
By: Katja Kraft
Comments
Press
Split
Heiner Lauterbach plays an election observer in Azerbaijan in Daniel Harrich's feature film “Am Abgrund”.
© ARD
Munich-based Daniel Harrich uncovers bribery of German members of the Bundestag in his ARD film project “Am Abgrund” – now a change in the law could follow.
With a report like this, even a highly communicative man like Daniel Harrich is speechless for a moment.
The investigative filmmaker from Munich has already experienced a lot during his research into weapons deals (“Master of Death”), Oktoberfest attacks (“The Blind Spot”) and dangerous medications (“Poison”).
But when he received the news that a bill to create a new criminal offense was to be implemented because of his research, he also had to pinch himself.
“That's crazy, we're very happy,” he said happily in a telephone conversation with our newspaper.
Because this planned new paragraph 108f concerns the corruption of German members of parliament.
It should criminalize the inadmissible trading of influence by elected officials even if this is aimed at protecting interests outside of the mandate.
Two German members of the Bundestag were indicted on suspicion of corruption
As reported, the Munich Public Prosecutor's Office had brought charges against former Bundestag members Axel E. Fischer (CDU) and Eduard Lintner (CSU) on suspicion of corruption.
The accused are said to have received money from Azerbaijan.
In return, they are said to have represented the political interests of the authoritarian regime and covered up human rights violations.
Harrich and his team had researched extensively, and on March 6, 2024, ARD will show their feature film “Am Abgrund” and then a documentary of the same name about the cases.
“The fact that our work is making such waves even before it is broadcast and really sets something in motion motivates us a lot,” says 40-year-old Daniel Harrich.
Does he believe that the change in the law will actually be implemented?
"Yes.
Even against the background of the mask deals during the corona pandemic, something has to be done about corruption.” Politics should not let this issue slide any further.
“Ultimately it’s about protecting our democracy.
“That’s why states like Qatar or Russia don’t continue to buy influence in European politics.”