Drosten in court: The Corona expert experiences outrageous hostility!

Drosten in court: The Corona expert experiences outrageous hostility!

Christian Drosten, a respected virologist, is once again in the public eye. The 54-year-old, who was considered one of the most sought-after experts during the corona pandemic, is not only confronted 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. However, at the campsite he was recognized and insulted by a Berlin couple. They called Drosten a “criminal” and a “corrupt doctor,” which led to a violent incident.

The couple photographed Drosten against his will, and the pictures were apparently published on the Internet. Drosten and his son felt threatened in this situation and were forced to call the police. The incident, which has already been heard in court, is now subject to an appeal hearing. In the first trial at the Waren District Court, the defendants were sentenced to fines of 375 euros and 1,200 euros, which were, however, suspended. The main defendant and the senior public prosecutor are now appealing against this verdict, so that the new trial will take place at the Neubrandenburg regional court in July. There is a possibility that Drosten will have to testify as a witness, which makes the situation even more complicated.

The pandemic and its aftermath

Christian Drosten gained his fame not least through the publication of the first coronavirus test via the WHO on January 13, 2020. Since then, he has been active as a prominent virologist and chief explainer during the pandemic. In a podcast he said that he felt extremely stressed during this time and did not want to relive these experiences in public. He reported on the “negative sides” of his role, which strongly influenced not only his professional but also his private biography.

Although Drosten praised satisfactory controls in the first wave of the pandemic in Germany, which had few direct mortality consequences, the subsequent waves such as the second in autumn and winter 2020/21 resulted in a different course. He attributed the difficulties in public discussion to a lack of scientific facts. He was also criticized for his later statements as the perception of the virus threat diminished. His life will never be the same again as it was before the pandemic, he emphasized.

Coming to terms with the pandemic

Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier also took on an important role in the discussions about the corona pandemic. He is planning a conversation to come to terms with the events and is calling for a quick clarification after the federal elections. Steinmeier sees this reappraisal as an opportunity for democracy and wants to restore the trust of citizens.

The current situation surrounding Christian Drosten not only highlights the difficulties that numerous scientists faced during the pandemic, but also the ongoing tensions between science and society. While Drosten continues to be valued for his knowledge and expertise, the hostility shows that social conflicts will persist even after the peak of the pandemic.