Germany's ex-president acquitted of corruption chargesFebruary 27, 2014 - 17:08 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Germany's former president, Christian Wulff, was acquitted Thursday, Feb 27, of corruption charges in a case that prompted his resignation two years ago, the Associated Press reports. Wulff declared himself "very relieved" after the state court in Hannover cleared him of illegally accepting favors. "I never had any doubt" about the outcome," he told reporters. Wulff was once a deputy leader of Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservative party and was her choice for the largely ceremonial role of president. His resignation less than two years into a five-year term was an embarrassment to the German leader. He quit when prosecutors asked Parliament to lift his immunity in February 2012 so that they could start a formal investigation. Wulff had faced a barrage of corruption allegations stemming from his time as governor of the state of Lower Saxony before he became president in 2010. A furious message that he left on the voicemail of the editor of Germany's best-selling newspaper before it published a report on the allegations added to pressure on the president, raising questions over his political judgment. The charges that went to trial last November related specifically to some 720 euros ($990) in hotel and entertainment costs allegedly paid by German film producer David Groenewold for Wulff and his family during a visit to Oktoberfest in Munich in 2008. Prosecutors alleged that Wulff then helped Groenewold try to raise support for a film project. Both men denied corruption. Groenewold also was acquitted of providing favors to Wulff. "There is simply no powerful evidence against the defendants," news agency dpa quoted judge Frank Rosenow as saying. It wasn't immediately clear whether prosecutors would appeal the verdict. Related links: Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush. Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. |