Dessau-Roßlau prosecutors continue election fraud probe

The Dessau-Roßlau Public Prosecutor's Office has clarified that investigations into alleged election fraud at the ‘Marthahaus’ seniors' home are ongoing, contradicting previous media reports suggesting the case had been closed.

The investigation was triggered by allegations that mail-in voting documents for a 95-year-old resident with dementia were requested and manipulated. Specifically, it is alleged that a staff member claimed to have collected and destroyed the documents, and that the resident's ballot envelope was opened and the ballot removed prior to the election.

Deputy spokesperson Alexandra Jirschik emphasized the legal distinction between ‘initial suspicion’ and ‘evidence.’ She explained that while certain reports suggested a lack of evidence, the initial criminal complaint provided sufficient factual grounds to warrant a formal investigation. Authorities noted that due to the secrecy of the ballot, certain investigative steps could only be taken after the election had concluded. The investigation currently includes the questioning of involved parties.