Munich Police Seek Two Men for Failure to Render Aid in Stachus Assault
Munich, April 9 – Munich police are actively searching for two men suspected of failing to render aid during a brutal assault at Stachus on March 29. The incident, which occurred around 6:10 AM, involved two Serbian nationals, aged 18 and 19, from the Munich district, who are now under investigation for attempted manslaughter. The two bystanders reportedly observed the entire assault without intervening or contacting emergency services.
Violent Altercation and Bystander Inaction
According to police reports, the two young men initially engaged in a “verbal altercation” with a group of individuals, described by the “Bild” newspaper as punks, in the mezzanine area near the subway and S-Bahn entrances at Stachus. The 19-year-old then allegedly physically attacked one of the punks. A 41-year-old German man, unconnected to either group, attempted to de-escalate the situation. Both Serbian individuals then turned on the peacemaker, “punching and kicking” him, even after he fell to the ground. They continued their assault “until he lay motionless.”
The “Bild” newspaper further reported that the attackers allegedly took a selfie with the unconscious victim. The two assailants fled the scene but were apprehended shortly thereafter by federal police at the Feldmoching S-Bahn station as part of an immediate search operation. The victim was transported to the hospital with severe injuries. Investigations into the two Serbian men are ongoing for attempted manslaughter.
Surveillance Footage Reveals Witnesses’ Inaction
During the assault, two uninvolved bystanders were observed watching the events unfold without taking any action. Investigators identified these two men through surveillance video footage. “These two individuals are suspected of failing to render aid,” confirmed Juliane Grotz, spokesperson for the Munich I public prosecutor’s office.
The two observers are also considered potential witnesses in the attempted manslaughter case. Grotz declined to comment on the specific actions depicted in the video, citing the ongoing investigation. However, the “Bild” newspaper described their actions as: “They stood by, watched idly, and ate burgers.”
Legal Ramifications of Failing to Render Aid
The accusation against the two individuals falls under Paragraph 323c of the German Criminal Code, which defines failure to render aid as neglecting to assist in “accidents or common danger or distress, although it is necessary and reasonable under the circumstances, especially without significant personal danger and without violating other important duties.” Failure to render aid can be punished with a fine or imprisonment of up to one year.
When asked what actions the two witnesses should have taken to avoid potential criminal liability, the public prosecutor’s office spokesperson stated: “The two individuals should have provided assistance within their means, for example, by calling the police emergency number.”
Given that the two men are visible in the video, a public search could potentially be initiated. However, the public prosecutor’s office would not comment on how these two individuals are currently being sought, citing the “ongoing investigations.”
Source: F.A.Z.
