Bomb threats at train stations in Graz and Linz have led to large-scale police operations in recent days. Fortunately, no explosives were found. But apparently there are people who like to play with the fears of others. This behavior not only has criminal consequences, it can also be very expensive, explains lawyer Christoph Rappold.
On Monday evening, everything came to a standstill at Graz Central Station and the Ostbahnhof after police received a bomb threat via email. “Even though it looks very much like a prank email, people’s safety is a priority,” said the Styrian police spokesperson, explaining the evacuation.
Less than 24 hours later, a major operation followed in Linz, Upper Austria: here too, a bomb threat was received by email directly to the state police headquarters. It was announced that a bomb would be exploded at Linz main station at 4 p.m.
“Take threats very seriously”
“A connection cannot be ruled out,” said Fulya Öncel of the police in Upper Austria. “Both threats came via email. We are now looking at email addresses, IP addresses, etc. The investigation is in full swing and we always take such threats very seriously.”
Public buildings such as airports, train stations and schools are repeatedly shocked by false bomb threats. The perpetrators rarely consider the consequences of such a threat.
“Kron”: What crime is a bomb threat?
Christoph Rappold: A bomb threat can result in various criminal offences, such as a ‘dangerous threat’. However, if the population, or at least a larger group of people, is put into fear and anxiety by a dangerous threat, the act can also fall under the criminal law ‘coercion’.
Does it matter how many people are threatened?
The number of people threatened is relevant because a smaller number poses a dangerous threat, with a prison sentence of up to three years. However, if the population or a larger group of people is threatened, land coercion can be punishable by a sentence of six months to five years, and if a large number of people are killed, even by up to ten years.
What happens if the threat turns out to be fake?
If – as in most cases – the bomb threat turns out to be a hoax, this constitutes ‘forgery of an act punishable by law’, which is punishable only by a prison sentence of up to six months or a fine.
How much could such an evacuation operation cost?
Operations with sniffer dogs and bomb detection or defusing equipment can cost tens of thousands of euros, depending on the effort.
Who pays if the perpetrator is a minor?
Unless the parents are accused of violating their supervision duties – for example because the minor is already known for such ‘jokes’ – the costs remain with the taxpayers. Minors who are capable of committing a crime, i.e. from the age of 14, will be charged the costs. But collectability is another question…
Source: Krone
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