Overview
- The Frankfurt Administrative Court’s 5th chamber dismissed a challenge to the July 2023 eviction and found the police removal lawful, with the plaintiff ordered to pay the court costs.
- The court concluded the plaintiff was never a lawful user of the Dondorf building and had only simulated living there, noting she had an apartment in Frankfurt.
- University officials said they exercised house rights and had asked occupiers to leave before the operation, while police witnesses said there was no resistance, eight people were detained and no public announcement was made to prevent roof access.
- The plaintiff argued in court that officers acted without a search warrant and violated Article 13’s protection of the home, but the chamber rejected that claim as fact-specific.
- Thursday’s ruling settles the case at chamber level but allows appeal and leaves unresolved the broader constitutional question of when Article 13 protects occupied or squatted spaces, a point that could shape future police actions and occupations.