"Feeling Scapegoated" in the VW Emissions Scandal: Defendants Call Themselves Victims
Defendants in the Volkswagen Emissions Fraud Case Perceive Themselves as Victims
The trial surrounding Volkswagen's emissions scandal is wrapping up, and the accused managers and engineers are speaking out. They've made it clear they don't share the prosecution's view, and the investigations against them have taken over their lives for nearly a decade. In emotional statements, they expressed feeling drained by the grueling trial.
The prosecution accuses the four former Volkswagen executives of fraud, but three could face prison sentences. Probation isn't enough for the prosecution, who've requested between three and four years for them. The defense argues for three acquittals and a warning. The verdict could come as early as next Monday.
They find the requested sentences shocking, especially ten years after the scandal broke. They also find it irritating and surprising that the other defendants are seeking leniency. The trial has been strained from the start due to differing perspectives, with some engineers claiming they had warned of consequences while superiors denied knowledge of any wrongdoing.
Another key figure, former CEO Martin Winterkorn, has a separate case due to health issues. This separation has led the defendants to criticize the trial for focusing on them while seemingly looking past others.
Economy
The controversy has been a topic of discussion for nearly a decade. Engineers who suggested the defeat device claimed they had voiced concerns, but superiors countered that problems were merely discussed, not acted upon.
In 2015, it was revealed that the manufacturer had manipulated emissions values to circumvent legal limits, operating a massive deception program that tricked emission tests and only then activated full emission cleaning.
Insights
- Personal Strain: The defendants have emphasized the emotional toll the nearly four-year trial has taken, often feeling exhausted and emotionally drained. This prolonged process has significantly impacted their lives, leading them to feel victimized. (10 years)
- Conflicting Testimonies: The trial has been marked by contrasting testimony, with engineers claiming they had warned of consequences, while superiors deny any knowledge of illegal actions. This inconsistency has fueled a sense of injustice among the defendants.
- Scapegoating Allegations: The defendants feel they are being unfairly targeted, particularly given the absence of key figures like former CEO Martin Winterkorn. This separation has resulted in criticism of the trial for focusing on them while seemingly letting others off the hook.
- Legal and Professional Impact: The defendants have pleaded for acquittals or mild penalties, contrasting sharply with the prison sentences demanded by prosecutors. This contrast highlights their belief that the legal system is disproportionately harsh in its treatment of them.
- Public Perception and Media Coverage: The defendants likely feel their professional reputations have been irreparably damaged by the scandal and its aftermath, further contributing to their feelings of victimhood.
References
- ntv.de
- lar/dpa
Associated With
- Braunschweig
- Justice
- Trials
- Volkswagen
- Automotive Industry
- Affairs and Scandals
- The defendants have expressed their concern regarding the lengthy trial and its impact on their lives, stating that it has lasted for over a decade, causing emotional drain and feelings of being scapegoated.
- The financial ramifications of the Volkswagen emissions scandal, a topic of general-news and business discussions for nearly a decade, have been particularly relevant to the employment policies within the automotive industry, bringing scrutiny to community and employment policies.
