The Braunschweig Regional Court has provisionally suspended the criminal proceedings against former Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn related to the diesel emissions scandal. The court announced on Tuesday that the suspension is due to Winterkorn’s ongoing and long-term illness, which has rendered him unable to participate in legal proceedings.

The court described this as a “temporary obstacle”. The panel of judges will continue to monitor the situation and, with the assistance of an expert, assess whether Winterkorn’s inability to participate will end and he will regain his capacity to negotiate. Should his condition improve, the proceedings will be resumed.