For the first time in history, a case of political corruption is being heard in Germany.

Fischer is accused of receiving bribes on behalf of Azerbaijan, while Lintner is charged with orchestrating the bribery of parliamentary deputies after stepping away from active politics. The trial will also address issues related to "political influence on a large scale."

According to the investigation, from 2008 to 2016, Lintner received approximately four million euros from Azerbaijan into the accounts of various shell companies. A portion of this money was primarily handed over to deputies in cash. In return, Axel Fischer and his late colleague Karin Strenz promised to help create a positive image of Azerbaijan to influence decisions made by PACE.

It is claimed that Strenz wrote an "assessment report" emphasizing the need for "constant and unlimited support" for Azerbaijan. According to the indictment, Strenz earned about 150,000 euros for her work.

Fischer delivered speeches before PACE in which he portrayed Azerbaijan in a favorable light. Additionally, he proposed Strenz's candidacy for the monitoring committee to lobby for Azerbaijan's interests. Later, Fischer provided a confidential PACE report to Baku. For his services, he received around 84,000 euros.

Lintner's son and an employee from Strenz's office also appeared before the court.

A representative from the Bavarian Prosecutor's Office told the newspaper taz that the investigation lasted more than ten years due to the "conspiratorial actions of the accused." Lintner and Fischer deny their guilt. Strenz unexpectedly passed away at the age of 53 during a private trip.

Preliminary information suggests that the trial will last for 39 days.