Germany: Lenient juvenile sentences for oriental hostage-takers

screen grab https://www.ndr.de/

They were looking for a criminal thrill, quick money and recognition: Three young Dutchmen first blew up the ATM in Torfhaus (Harz), then they kidnapped a woman (68) in Braunlage.

On Thursday, the Regional Court of Braunschweig handed down its verdict against the ATM bombers: 3.5 years in juvenile prison for Allal G. (19) and three years and nine months for Saber B. (19). Ali T. (now 21) was given the highest juvenile sentence of four years and three months. As adolescents, they benefited from the more lenient juvenile criminal law. The chamber found delays in maturity in the perpetrators.

However, when they committed their crime, they acted like highly professional old hands. In mid-January 2023, the trio drove to the “Harz Welcome Centre” at Torfhaus in Altenau in a rented car with stolen licence plates attached and blew up the Sparkasse ATM there. Loot: 121,745 euros, 100,000 euros in damage.

They then crashed their car into traffic signs and crash barriers – car scrap, total damage 30,000 euros. In Braunlage, the three gangsters hid in a garage, waiting for accomplices from home to pick them up. But then, in the morning, the resident of the house (68), who wanted to go to the bakery, opened her garage.

Masked with balaclavas, they covered the senior’s mouth, took the keys to the Ford from her and forced her into the car, accelerating! Half an hour later, police cars were able to stop the Ford – arrest, detention. The trio were charged with causing an explosion, robbery and deprivation of liberty.

During the trial, the accused confessed through their lawyers and apologised to the traumatised victim.

Geldautomaten gesprengt, Frau entführt: Jugendstrafen für Gangster | Regional | BILD.de