German prosecutors re-investigating the Kellermayr case, once more conducting inquiries on trains
In a recent trial, a German man was acquitted from the charge of dangerous threat with suicidal consequences against Austrian doctor Lisa-Maria Kellermayr. However, it is important to note that the acquittal does not mean that threatening someone is not a crime.
The presiding judge in the case explained that the court did not find a causal connection between the threats and doctor Kellermayr's suicide proven. The German authorities are responsible for the criminal offense of "ordinary" dangerous threat from Germany.
The trial, which took place in Austria, has sparked discussions about the need for a change in criminal law. Univ.-Prof. Dr. Martin Stricker, a criminal law professor at the Johannes Kepler University in Linz, has suggested considering a criminal law amendment.
Stricker proposes that the offense could be punished under Austrian law regardless of the location of the act due to borderless communication via social media. He believes that this change would help in cases where the perpetrator resides in a different country but targets an individual in Austria.
For individuals who may be struggling with suicidal thoughts, support is available. The Ministry of Health's suicide prevention portal offers a range of support services for individuals with suicidal thoughts and their families. Additionally, contact information for support facilities in Austria can be found at www.suizid-praevention.gv.at.
As the case highlights, the issue of online threats and their impact on individuals' mental health is a serious concern. The discussions about the need for changes in criminal law are ongoing, and it is hoped that a solution will be found to better protect individuals from such threats in the future.
