The criminal proceedings against Saxony’s Minister of Culture, Conrad Clemens, regarding a traffic offense are continuing. At the start of the fourth day of the trial at the Weißwasser District Court, Judge Alex Theile initially granted both sides’ request for a legal consultation. However, after about an hour behind closed doors, no agreement was reached. According to the judge, the discussion focused on the continuation of the proceedings and possibilities for dismissal.
Charges: Illegal car racing and misuse of license plates
In the criminal proceedings, Clemens is accused of illegal car racing and misuse of license plates. He denies the charges. He had admitted to and expressed regret for a speeding violation. In September 2023, Clemens was caught by a speed camera driving 81 km/h in a 30-km/h zone near a retirement home in Krauschwitz. At the time, he was not yet a minister but was serving as State Secretary in charge of the Saxon State Representation in Berlin.
At the time, Clemens was behind the wheel of an official vehicle bearing so-called “camouflage license plates.” He had been handed a two-month driving ban and a 500-euro fine. He filed an appeal against the decision but later sought to withdraw it. The traffic citation proceedings turned into criminal proceedings.
Clemens Regrets Speeding Offense
In a statement on the matter on the first day of the trial, Clemens’ attorney noted that his client had admitted to his actions at the time. “It was a mistake that he regrets.”
The fact that he bears full responsibility for this is also evidenced by the fact that he paid the fine and surrendered his driver’s license. He criticized the court’s decision to turn an administrative offense into a criminal offense.
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