In January, the cloud of smoke rising from a restaurant in the ‘Sunken City’ could be seen almost everywhere in Vienna. There wasn’t much left of the cocktail bar. That’s why a 47-year-old is now in the Vienna Regional Court – he tried to set a fire on the Danube Island in March 2023. As an expression of anger and despair, an expert explains.
“I will never do that again,” the 47-year-old interrupts the Viennese judge as he checks the personal data and waves his hands wildly. “I have heard that sentence at least ten times during visits,” reports lawyer Peter Philipp. And even in court, the person involved emphasizes again and again: “I will never do that again. It was a big mistake.” We’re talking about arson.
The ‘Sunken City’ restaurant burned down completely
On March 16, 2023 and January 12 of this year, the Viennese set fire to two restaurants on the Danube Island. The last one on the “Sunken City” burned down completely – the damage amounted to 200,000 euros. With the help of surveillance cameras, they eventually found the 47-year-old, who is now in front of the jury. Who decides whether he will be placed in a forensic therapeutic center because the fire devil is mentally incompetent according to the report.
The psychiatrist Sigrun Roßmanith testifies that he has an immature personality disorder. The 47-year-old attended a special school and later worked in a workshop for the disabled – largely responsible for taking his own medication. And that failed when he started the fires with jerry cans and cloths. “It was a completely misguided solution to the problem. You could say it was a cry for help,” said Roßmanith.
Anger and despair expressed through burning
He told the expert about bullying and rejection at the last facility where he was cared for. He wanted to express his anger and despair through the fires. “I’m actually afraid of fire. “I’ll never do that again,” he vows again. “It is clear that the requirements for housing are met,” lawyer Peter Philipp admits, but also emphasizes that a forensic therapeutic center is not the right place for him.
The jury agrees and decides on conditional placement with a series of instructions – from psychotherapy to regular blood level checks. All this is offered to him in the Lower Austrian care institution CARDO, where his lawyer Philipp was able to arrange a place together with his family. “You can now pack your things and move today,” the judge dismisses the person involved and closes the hearing.
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.
