(Berlin) Allegations that soldiers at a German military base engaged in "sadistic sexual" practices and bizarre hazing rituals sent shockwaves through the defence establishment in January. The German Defence Minister cracked down by sacking four offices who were implicated and transferring the base commander.
5 months later and all those allegations have yet to be substantiated either by being invalidated and a lack of evidence for the others. Now four of the dismissed soldiers are suing to get their jobs back.
This case is going to put pressure on the Defense Minister ‘Ursula von der Leyen,’ who has been accused of by some in the military of mismanagement and politicization. That criticism has extended beyond the case of Pfullendorf to her handling of right-wing extremism in the Bundeswehr and dipping morale in the force. If the court rules to reinstate the four soldiers it will validate criticism of the defence minister and make her position untenable.
