These were the questions at the centre of a hearing held on Thursday morning before the Correctional Chamber of the Luxembourg City Court. It all started with premises in a cellar, which Roy Reding, an MP for the Alternative Democratic Reform Party (adr), converted into a studio. The modification was illegal because the ceiling was not high enough for a living space, according to the building regulations of the municipality of Luxembourg City.
The politician was ordered in 2016 to restore the basement to its original state. However, Reding never did so and instead sold the property.
At the time of the sale, the new owner was allegedly unaware that she could no longer rent out the flat in question. This claim is denied by Reding’s lawyer, Lydie Lorang. The real estate agency, she claims, was aware of the situation.
The defence added that the price of the building in Kirchberg would have been justified, with or without an additional flat. Furthermore, her client had offered to repurchase the residence and possibly take over the investments already made by the new owner. The new owner rejected this offer. In addition, Reding had offered to carry out the necessary repairs if he gained access to the building.
The prosecution sought an 18-month suspended prison term and a €50,000 fine for Roy Reding. Lorang claims she “doesn’t understand” the demand and accuses the prosecution of being “politically motivated.”
“If it wasn’t for Mr Reding, we would be in civil court with this case,” Lorang explained. “I don’t agree with any of Roy Reding’s political positions. But he has no place here,” explained the lawyer, who pleaded for her client’s release.
The purchaser of the residence is seeking repayment for over €10,000 in legal fees.
The verdict is expected on 24 November.
