42-Year-Old in Custody: New Details Emerge Following Bailiff‘s Killing
A 42-year-old man is in custody following the death of a 58-year-old bailiff on Tuesday morning in Saarland, Germany. The incident occurred instantly after the bailiff entered the man’s apartment to carry out an eviction due to foreclosure. Three representatives from the property management company were present but remained outside the apartment during the event.
The suspect, a resident of the Saarpfalz district, was apprehended in Oberbexbach shortly after the crime adn has confessed to the act. He currently has no prior criminal record but is under inquiry for a separate robbery. Authorities also report a past incident where the suspect allegedly threatened a neighbor in the apartment building, and he was previously found in possession of 5 grams of amphetamine.Toxicology reports are pending to determine if drugs were a factor at the time of the incident. Investigators have found no indication of a political motive.
Saarland Justice Minister Petra Berg identified the victim as an experienced bailiff, a husband, and a father. In response to the tragedy, the state government ordered flags to be flown at half-mast on Wednesday and will soon establish a book of condolence at the State Chancellery.Minister Berg stated she will prioritize a review of bailiff security protocols in the coming days.
The German Bailiffs Association is advocating for enhanced security measures for field employees,including improved training,access to better protective equipment like stab and bulletproof vests,and increased protection of bailiffs’ personal addresses. Currently, bailiffs typically operate in civilian clothing to maintain the anonymity of debtors and avoid stigmatization.
In Saarland, the state association of bailiffs is already engaged in discussions with the Ministry of Justice regarding security enhancements, such as the authorization of pepper spray. Protective vests are currently available to bailiffs upon request, with a personal financial contribution required. There are 47 active bailiffs in the state. The victim was not wearing a stab-proof vest at the time of the incident and had opted not to request police escort, a decision left to the discretion of each bailiff, according to Minister Berg.
The Verdi union has expressed concern over a growing trend of violence against employees within the judicial system, prisons, and other public authorities. Christian Runde, Verdi managing director in the Saar-Trier region, reported a important increase in incidents and voiced the anxieties of union members regarding escalating violence.
Source: ntv.de, fzö/dpa
