Knife attack in Wangen: Psychologically ill stays permanently in psychiatry

Knife attack in Wangen: Psychologically ill stays permanently in psychiatry

In a shocking incident that took place in a supermarket in Wangen in early April, a four-year-old child was attacked with a knife. The perpetrator, a mentally ill man, has now been permanently instructed in psychiatry. The court decided that due to his serious mental illness, he was unable to recognize the wrong of his deed. This is a crucial step in the security process due to attempted murder that is supposed to ensure the security of society.

According to German law, mentally ill criminals who are not guilty at the time of their act are not considered criminal in the classic sense. Instead of a prison sentence, the accommodation takes place in a psychiatric facility. This measure aims to promote the treatment of the perpetrator and to protect the public. In this special case, the decision was supported by the diagnosis of an expert who made a bad prognosis for the man and emphasized the risk of further crimes.

Psychiatric treatment and surveillance

In Baden-Württemberg there are special facilities for the intellectual enforcement in which mentally ill perpetrators are treated. The forensic clinic in Ravensburg-Weissenau is one of these facilities that has strict security measures. This is where the perpetrator's treatment begins at a closed station, where he can only move freely in clearly defined areas. The therapeutic concept includes medication, psychotherapy and social training to prepare patients for an independent life.

The accommodation in psychiatry is initially unlimited and is checked annually by the court. The treating clinic must regularly submit reports in order to confirm the need for accommodation. It is emphasized that discharge is only possible if there is no danger to society. In the case of the man from Wangen, however, the view of a soon -to -be is extremely low, since it is only at the beginning of his treatment and is far from a successful integration.