The murderous statements in Graz are once again raising a bright light on the weapons of Austria – and a male violence problem that nobody likes to talk about. Lawyer Hubert Niedermayr calls for stricter rules in possession of weapons.
“Krone”: They criticize current regulations with regard to possession of weapons in Austria. Can you explain that?
Hubert Niedermayr: It is relatively easy to get a gun ownership. If you are not a criminal record and the psychological test exists, there are hardly any obstacles. In my opinion, this test is not suitable for filtering out mentally unstable or dangerous people. What I find particularly doubtful: hunters do not have to prove psychological suitability. It is sufficient to succeed for the hunting research, which refers to technical and theoretical aspects. There is no psychological screening – although the inhibition threshold of the end of life is considerably lower in hunting.
How can you improve the psychological competence test? What measures do you think as a lawyer?
There are no constitutional obstacles to sharpen the psychological tests and to renew them after a certain time. It would be a political decision that the legislator should take.
When do you speak from the defense when using firearms and when is it no longer?
As soon as a weapon is involved, the situation usually escalates immediately. Of course I can defend myself in an emergency – the right to self -defense is clearly regulated. But there is also the such self -defense intersection. If I show someone in a stressful situation, although there was no acute threat, the question arises: was it fear – or aggression?
What do you say as a lawyer who experiences many cases in court: are there patterns in men who use violence?
Unfortunately I often observe: many men lose their thread for themselves in life. They live in a world that they no longer understand. Instead of seeking help, they use harmful means – alcohol, aggressive masculinity behavior, misogynia.
What can you do about it?
The State can – and should start here: with more school psychology, more advisory services, more help with Lage Threshel. Schools may not only be left with this task. It is also about transferring a positive image of men: one that does not hide the weakness, but allows it. We need role models that embody exactly.
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.
