German legal proceedings regarding COVID-19 vaccinations

German courts are addressing various legal challenges and criminal proceedings related to COVID-19 vaccination practices and mandates.

In Lübeck, the Higher Regional Court overturned the acquittal of Winfried Stöcker, a doctor and entrepreneur. Stöcker is accused of providing an unauthorized vaccine as a finished medicinal product during a 2021 vaccination campaign at Lübeck Airport. The court referred the case back to the Lübeck Regional Court for a new trial, noting that the previous ruling failed to properly assess whether the vaccine was a ‘concerning medicinal product’ and did not sufficiently examine the validity of consent regarding potential bodily harm offenses.

In Bavaria, the Supreme State Court is set to issue a final ruling on a Bundeswehr officer who refused a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination in 2022. Despite medical evaluations finding no health-related reasons for refusal, the lieutenant declined the injection. Previous courts acquitted the soldier, citing the proportionality of the mandate and his sincere freedom of conscience. The prosecution has appealed these acquittals to the higher court, which will provide a definitive decision.