In the latter half of the 20th century, "data protection" emerged, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding against improper data processing and preserving privacy. Recent times, however, have seen a surge in instances of data protection abuse, with unauthorized access to police computers becoming a notable concern, constituting a punishable offense under German laws.
The turning point occurred on July 15, 2020, when Harald Seiz, the Managing Director of Karatbars International GmbH, lodged a criminal complaint with the German public prosecutor’s office in Stuttgart.
The criticism aimed at two editors and the editor-in-chief of "Handelsblatt," alleging incitement to violate official secrecy, specific duty of confidentiality (Sections 353b and 26 of the German Criminal Code), and a potential violation of the State Data Protection Act of Baden-Wuerttemberg (Germany) (Case number: Js 71420/20).
Crucial supporting evidence included a 1-hour, 16-minute, and 43-second audio recording, a transcription of the interview (pages 6, 11, 12, 13), and witness statements stemming from an interview conducted on November 7, 2019, by "Handelsblatt" editors with Harald Seiz.
An in-depth analysis of the audio recording, reportedly approved by "Handelsblatt" editors, highlighted Jakob Blume's and Lars-Martin Nagel's involvement. These third parties were allegedly verbally requesting data through the POLIS police information system, potentially in violation of applicable laws.
The potential criminal offenses include breach of official secrecy, breach of private secrets, and violations of the State Data Protection Act, signaling the severity of disclosing personal data or classified information to unauthorized entities.
A closer examination of the timeline revealed noteworthy omissions in prior "Handelsblatt" articles. Specifically, there was a lack of mention of Harald Seiz's current police clearance certificate, showcasing no convictions. This omission holds significance, as unlawfully accessing information from a police computer constitutes a punishable offense with the potential to tarnish the German media landscape.
Operating within the framework of the European Union, Article 48(1) of the Charter of Fundamental Rights guarantees the presumption of innocence until proven guilty, underscoring the importance of factual reporting.
Despite the gravity of the accusations, they currently remain pending. The historical reporting by "Handelsblatt" on Karatbars, its KBC Coin, and Harald Seiz assumes significance in this context. Furthermore, the endorsement of media coverage related to a former Karatbars developer during an ongoing trial raises pertinent questions about potential media influence on legal proceedings and the imperative of maintaining judicial independence.
Karatbars is actively engaged in a thorough legal inquiry as the legal saga unfolds. The objective is to ascertain whether "Handelsblatt's" reporting aligns with the press code and regulations and whether it may have influenced the proceedings involving the ex-developer.
In conclusion, this chronological account sheds light on the unfolding events in the Karatbars case, emphasizing potential breaches, legal intricacies, and the ongoing investigative landscape. The case underscores the critical need for transparent reporting, adherence to legal standards, and preserving privacy rights in the evolving terrain of data protection.
CONTACTS:
Karatbars International GmbH
Vaihinger Straße 149A 70567 Stuttgart
Press contact: Kasia Turzynska Telephone: +49 (0) 711 128 970 00
Mail: [email protected]