The Munich prosecutor has charged a 24-year-old over a March incident in which stones were thrown at the Israeli consulate and a rucksack sparked a bomb scare. Specialists and a robot later declared the bag safe. The suspect allegedly assaulted officers during his arrest, was initially hospitalised as a safety risk, and after a psychiatric assessment was found to have diminished criminal responsibility and placed in hospital while the court considers the charges.
24-Year-Old Charged After Stone-Throwing And Bomb Scare At Israeli Consulate In Munich
FILE PHOTO - The Israeli flag flies in front of the Israeli Consulate General. (is associated with: «Charges brought against man over attack on Israeli consulate in Munich») Peter Kneffel/dpa
A 24-year-old man has been charged in connection with a March incident in which stones were thrown at the Israeli consulate general in Munich and a rucksack left at the scene triggered a major police response and a bomb scare.
Incident And Response
According to the Munich General Prosecutor's Office, the suspect allegedly hurled fist-sized stones at the consulate's facade, placed a rucksack on the ground and shouted "Allahu Akbar" (Arabic for "God is greatest"). Officers who rushed to the scene treated the bag as potentially dangerous until specialists and a robot were able to examine and X-ray it; they later determined the rucksack did not pose a threat.
Arrest And Charges
Prosecutors say the man faces counts of disturbing the public peace, criminal damage and a serious assault on police officers. At the time of his arrest he reportedly kicked at officers and headbutted them; none of the officers were injured. Investigators also say they believe the suspect holds entrenched anti-Israel views and that his actions were intended as a signal to police that he wanted to carry out a deadly attack.
Legal And Medical Status
The Munich Regional Court will decide whether to admit the charges; the presumption of innocence applies until proven guilty. The suspect was initially hospitalised after being judged an acute risk to himself and others, then remanded in custody. Following an expert psychiatric assessment he was found to have diminished criminal responsibility and has been placed in hospital again for the time being, the prosecuting authority said.
Note: All details are based on statements from the Munich General Prosecutor's Office and are subject to further judicial review.
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