Augustine M. (27) was born in Ghana. No profession, one child. The charge: In autumn 2021 he is accused of setting fire to beds in a Berlin department stores’.
October 30, 2021 is a Saturday. The Galeria Kaufhof in the Mitte district is very busy. There are about 50 people on the 4th floor at 2.30 pm. Suddenly beds are on fire everywhere.
“The air was shimmering with heat,” remembers Gerald S. (57). “A shop assistant shouted: He’s setting fire to everything! I fetched a fire extinguisher. But the man took a burning bedspread and tried to put it over me!” The sales representative defended himself (burns on his hands). The suspected arsonist flees via the cafeteria and the 3rd floor, continues to set fire to the building.
After ten days in hospital, he is free again. Arrested six weeks later. Instead of prison, however, he is now in a psychiatric clinic. The public prosecutor wants him to stay there. Augustine M. rages: “This is abuse, racism, kidnapping.”
Judge (softly): “Do you say anything about the fires?” M.: “I announce that these proceedings will be stopped! Immediately! Corruption, manipulation! The clinic is not even cleaned, the lemon tea has also expired!”
Judge (patiently): “Did you set fire?” The accused (angry): “I demand respect! I want my own doctor! A lawyer who will listen!” Judge: “That’s not the way to do it. Constable, take him out of the hall.” M. (yelling): “I coming to you!” The defence lawyer: “He has already threatened me too…”
The trial continues without him. Verdict September 6.