The trial of Christina Block, heiress to a German steakhouse chain, has been paused for two weeks. Block is accused of ordering the abduction of her children from Denmark following a custody dispute with her former husband, Stephan Hensel.
Prosecutors allege that Block, a family lawyer Andreas Costard, and five others, including Israeli citizen Jonathan G, organised the forcible abduction of her two children from Hensel's home in Denmark during New Year celebrations in 2023-24. Jonathan G has admitted his involvement, stating he believed he was participating in a rescue operation. Block, Costard, and Jonathan G are charged with abduction of minors, grievous bodily harm, and unlawful detention. Block's partner and three others face charges of aiding and abetting. All deny wrongdoing, except for Jonathan G.
In a separate development, Germany's former intelligence chief, August Hanning, was arrested this month for treason and espionage. Investigators reportedly found evidence during a search of his home, suggesting he was involved in buying documents from his former chief of staff and passing on state secrets to foreign powers. Hanning's lawyer denies the accusations, stating he is being "unjustly persecuted" and the charges are "unfounded." Hanning has not been charged in connection with the current Block trial, although he denies allegations of involvement in an earlier attempted abduction of the children in 2022.
The current trial against Christina Block has experienced numerous delays over the past 15 months. The latest pause is due to a witness, Stephan Hensel's new wife, failing to appear in court.