Innocently confronted with the threat of fifteen years in prison before a jury: that is what happened to a young Syrian. In the regional court of Vienna on Wednesday it quickly became clear: he was not the robber of a plastic bag with 80,000 euros in it.
“He is the prototype of an integrated refugee,” lawyer Michael Dohr describes his client in Landl, Vienna. The 22-year-old came to Austria in 2015, attended high school and German courses, and then successfully completed an internship at a car repair shop in the 12th district. The young man does not need the invited interpreter.
80,000 euros stolen in a plastic bag
He rightly says to judge Martina Krainz in shirt, sweater and trousers, with a slight desperation: “I don’t look like a criminal. I am not someone who takes anything.” But that is exactly what the prosecutor accuses the Syrian of. On April 11 last year, he allegedly robbed a stranger of 80,000 euros, which he had with him in a plastic bag, with pepper spray and assault. The penalty is a maximum of 15 years in prison!
“Contradictory research findings” even before trial
This is one of the reasons why the suspect has been in pre-trial detention for more than six months. Innocent – lawyer Michael Dohr is certain: “I assume that there is not even an urgent suspicion of a crime.” On the contrary: the judge for detention and legal protection has already determined that there are “contradictory research results”.
The young man did not know the victim and did not recognize him when confronted. And it gets even better. In the witness box – mind you, under the obligation to tell the truth – the 31-year-old robbed man is asked whether the younger man could be the perpetrator: “I don’t think so,” he says firmly. The robber is taller and thinner.
Are DNA traces and mobile phone data sufficient?
One of the few pieces of evidence from the Public Prosecution Service is a trace of the 22-year-old’s DNA on the victim’s jacket. Which, according to the expert, could also have been passed on accidentally. Lawyer Dohr can also refute the evaluated mobile phone data, which shows that the Syrian was logged in shortly before the time of the crime near the Eichenstrasse tram station, the place of the robbery. His client lives within radius of the cell tower.
And yet the prosecutor maintains the charges, and toward the end demands a punishment appropriate to the crime and the guilt. “Based on this evidence, can you assume with near certainty that my client is guilty, Prosecutor?” Dohr responded harshly. “Anything other than an acquittal would mean the end of my job!”
And after less than five minutes of deliberation by the jury, the judge announced the following (not legally binding): “It is not enough to believe beyond a reasonable doubt that he is the perpetrator.” After months of innocent imprisonment, the young man is finally released. was allowed to go home after the test. And defender Michael Dohr is happy: “I can keep my job.”
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
