A German physician was found guilty of fraudulently giving exemptions from the requirement that more than 4,000 individuals wear masks during the coronavirus pandemic and was sentenced to two years and nine months in jail for his actions.
According to a report by a public radio called SWR, a regional court in the town of Weinheim located in the southwestern part of Germany sentenced the doctor late on Monday night for providing certifications to people from all over Germany, the majority of whom she had never met or examined. During the proceedings, she contended that wearing masks was detrimental to people's health and should be prohibited.
In addition to receiving a sentence of imprisonment, she was also given a work restriction for three years and was compelled to reimburse the amount of money that she had been paid for producing medical certifications, which was 28,000 euros ($29,550). Her helper received a fine of 2,700 euros for the infraction.
According to SWR's reporting, the attorney for the doctor plans to appeal the verdict.
Dozens of people gathered outside the courthouse in Weinheim, which is located north of Heidelberg, in order to demonstrate their disagreement with the ruling and the severe limitations that Germany has imposed.
In Germany, the obligation to wear masks has been lifted in many indoor contexts as of last year; nevertheless, masks are still required to be worn on long-distance trains, in doctor's offices, hospitals, and nursing homes, as well as on various forms of regional public transportation.
