23-year-old convicted
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Firecracker throw at policeman on New Year’s Eve: Eight months in prison on probation
The attacks on emergency services on New Year’s Eve in Berlin have caused outrage – and legal consequences. In a first trial, the Tiergarten district court imposed a suspended prison sentence for throwing a firecracker.
After the New Year’s Eve riots in Berlin, a 23-year-old was sentenced to eight months in prison on probation on Tuesday. The Tiergarten district court saw it as proven that the young man deliberately threw a firecracker in the direction of a police officer on New Year’s Eve. The court convicted him of assaulting law enforcement officials and attempting to cause dangerous bodily harm.
The 23-year-old admitted in the process that he had thrown a cracker. But he accidentally landed in front of the police officer. He denied a targeted attack. The policeman had supported the fire brigade in extinguishing a fire in Berlin-Wedding. According to the public prosecutor, he had quick-wittedness and kicked the firecracker away.
More than 110 procedures for attacks on emergency services
On the night of New Year’s Day, there were violent attacks on police officers and firefighters throughout Germany. The capital was particularly affected. According to the Berlin public prosecutor’s office, more than 110 procedures are now available. Other cases are still being processed by the police.
The public prosecutor’s office has so far filed charges in 18 cases, she said. In addition, she has applied for six penal orders, two of which are final. The allegations are therefore physical attack, resistance to law enforcement officers, bodily harm or dangerous bodily harm and violation of the Weapons and Explosives Act. According to the authorities, 45 procedures were discontinued.
During the trial, the German Police Union (DPolG) pointed out that complete proof of the offenses is required for a conviction. This is hardly possible without modern technology. “What the police and emergency services need are high-resolution video cameras with an all-round view that are attached to the vehicles,” says DPolG federal chairman Rainer Wendt. In addition, drones and permanently installed modern video technology are required at known locations where criminal offenses are to be expected.
Broadcast: rbb24 Inforadio, June 6th, 2023, 2:20 p.m