Frankfurt (Oder) court concludes appeal in Werbellinsee drowning case

The appeal process regarding the death of a seven-year-old girl in Werbellinsee has concluded at the Frankfurt (Oder) District Court. Both the prosecution and the defense withdrew their respective appeals, making the 2021 verdict from the Eberswalde District Court legally binding.

The original ruling imposed fines between 4,000 and 6,300 euros on three teachers and one educator for negligent homicide by omission. The incident occurred during a school trip when the non-swimming child drowned while under the supervision of the staff.

Defense attorneys cited the lengthy duration of the proceedings and associated costs as reasons for withdrawing the appeal. The presiding judge expressed regret to the victim's family for the extended legal process.