Overview
- Hanning’s lawyer informed the Hamburg Regional Court that he will exercise his §55 StPO right to refuse testimony and asked that he be released as a witness.
- A court spokeswoman said the filing was shared with all parties, who may submit statements before the chamber decides whether to cancel his appearance scheduled for next Wednesday.
- The former intelligence chief had told Bild about two weeks earlier that he would testify, marking a clear reversal of position.
- Prosecutors are investigating Hanning over an alleged failed 2022 attempt tied to a private security firm, after searches of homes and the company System 360 Grad in mid‑September.
- Authorities suspect a commission exceeding €100,000 involving responsible persons at the firm and a retired LKA officer, allegations Hanning rejects as he remains presumed innocent, while the separate trial centers on claims Christina Block commissioned her children’s abduction in late 2023.