Hells Angels biker gang accused of prostitution, drug trafficking awaits verdict after 3 weeks of trial
MADRID, SPAIN: Madrid’s High Court is set to announce a verdict after three weeks of session in the Hells Angels trial. The case involves 49 alleged members of the Hells Angels bikers gang in the Spanish holiday island of Mallorca are accused of organized crime, money laundering, and firearms possessions, as per prosecutors.
Many have raised questions over the pace at which justice is being delivered as the criminal proceeding against the group began a decade back. German national Frank Hanebuth is among the most recognized names among defendants. Though most of the members agreed to a plea deal at the beginning of the trial, Hanebuth continues to plead not guilty. 35 of 49 defendants took plea deals which then turned their sentences into fines. The group’s alleged treasurer Abdelghani Youssafi is currently facing a 28-and-a-half years sentence demand from the prosecutor, which is the highest among the defendants, as per ABC News.
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'We are not a criminal organization'
“We are not a criminal organization. We are the only biker club in the world that is based on a democratic structure. That means one person, one vote," he said. As prosecutors seek a 12-year prison term for Hanebuth, since they see him as someone who played a key role in moving group from Hannover to Mallorca was the only defendant exploring his right to a final statement before the trial was adjourned Friday evening, February 10.
He denied that there was a president of the group at the national or international level, claiming that each chapter is independent. Hanebuth’s attorney requested the court to acquit him in his closing arguments.
'I’ve had the privilege to be part of an amazing club'
Hells Angels founder Sonny Barger died last year after a ‘brief battle’ with throat cancer. The 83-year-old counter-culture icon reportedly breathed his last surrounded by ‘wife Zorana, as well as loved ones.’ His death was announced on his Facebook account. It read, “If you are reading this message, you’ll know that I’m gone. I’ve asked that this note be posted immediately after my passing. I’ve lived a long and good life filled with adventure. And I’ve had the privilege to be part of an amazing club. Although I’ve had a public persona for decades, i’ve mostly enjoyed special time with my club brothers, my family, and close friends,” reports MEAWW.
It also read, “Please know that I passed peacefully after a brief battle with cancer. But also know that in the end, I was surrounded by what really matters: My wife, Zorana, as well as my loved ones.
