Drosts in court: The Corona expert experiences outrageous hostility!

Drosts in court: The Corona expert experiences outrageous hostility!

Wesenberg, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Deutschland - Christian Drosten, a respected virologist, is again the focus of the public. The 54-year-old, who was considered one of the most sought-after experts during the Corona pandemic, is not only faced with the challenges of his scientific role, but also with personal hostility. These began during a vacation in the summer of 2022 at a campsite in Wesenberg, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, where he wanted to relax with his then four-year-old son. At the campsite, however, he was recognized and insulted by a Berlin couple. They described drosts as a "criminal" and "corrupt doctor", which led to a violent incident.

The couple photographed drosts against his will, and the pictures were obviously published on the Internet. Drosts and his son felt threatened in this situation and saw themselves forced to call the police. The incident, which has already been negotiated in court, now entails an appeal hearing. In the first proceedings at the district court, the accused were sentenced to fines 375 euros and 1200 euros, which were, however, suspended for probation. Now the main accused and the chief prosecutor are in appeal against this judgment, so that the new trial will take place at the Neubrandenburg Regional Court in July. It is possible that Drosten has to testify as a witness, which makes the situation all the more complicated.

the pandemic and its aftermath

Christian Drosten achieved his celebrity not least through the publication of the first Coronavirus test on the WHO on January 13, 2020. Since then, he has been active as a prominent virologist and chief explanter during the pandemic. In a podcast, he expressed that he felt extremely stressful during this time and that he did not want to go through this experience again in public. He reported on the "negative sides" of his role, which not only influenced his professional but also his private biography.

Although Drosten praised satisfactory controls in the first wave of pandemic in Germany, which had little direct mortal consequences, the following waves, like the second in autumn and winter 2020/21, resulted in a different course. He attributed the difficulties in the public discussion to missing scientific facts. He was also criticized for his later statements when the perception of the risk of virus decreased. His life will never be like before pandemic, he emphasized.

processing of the pandemic

In the conversations about Corona pandemic, Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier also played an important role. He plans a conversation to deal with events and calls for a rapid clarification after the federal elections. Steinmeier sees this review an opportunity for democracy and wants to restore the trust of the citizens.

The current situation around Christian Drosten not only illustrates the difficulties with which numerous scientists were confronted during pandemic, but also the continuing tensions between science and society. While Drosten is still valued for his knowledge and expertise, the hostility show that social conflicts remain even after the peak of pandemic.