Hand Grenade Found in Basement in Vienna-Liesing: Diversion for 41-Year-Old

Because he had stored two functional hand grenades in his basement compartment, a 41-year-old man was tried at the Vienna Regional Court on Wednesday under the Weapons Act and for negligent public endangerment. "I feel guilty," said the previously unblemished man. He had acquired the grenades ten years ago. He had seen them "at a flea market in Vienna" and obtained them "due to suicidal thoughts."

As the trial showed, the 41-year-old has been suffering from severe depression for many years. As a result, he was recently unable to pursue any professional activity and will receive a disability pension starting April 1. On August 8, 2024, he called his psychiatrist, with whom he is in therapy, and essentially announced that he would blow himself up with hand grenades in the Lainzer Tiergarten. The psychiatrist immediately notified the police.

Grenades Defused After Major Police Operation in Vienna-Liesing

The result was a major police operation at the 41-year-old's address in Vienna-Liesing. Officers from the Liesing City Police Command and WEGA forces arrested the man. In his apartment, a sword and ammunition were initially secured before a black metal box wrapped in cloths was discovered in the basement, placed on a pot. Inside were two hand grenades, each 250 millimeters long and 90 millimeters wide. The bomb disposal unit quickly arrived and rendered them harmless after the area was evacuated.

In court, the defendant confirmed that he had been in a poor mental state last summer: "I was in therapy, in rehab, I was everywhere. No solution could be found for me." "He was aware that it is not allowed to possess hand grenades so easily," said defense attorney Daniel Strauss. In view of his client's previous unblemished record, his confession, and the "special circumstances," Strauss suggested a diversionary resolution of the case.

For Judge, "Criminal Energy Was Manageable"

The judge complied, as the prosecutor had no objections. "Basically, I see no reason why you should be convicted. What you did was not right. But the criminal energy was manageable," the judge found. With a two-year probation period set, during which the 41-year-old must not commit any offenses, the charge was provisionally set aside. If the man does not reappear criminally in the next two years, the charge will be permanently expunged. The 41-year-old is thus considered to remain unblemished for the time being. This decision is final.

Are you in a desperate life situation and need help? Talk to other people about it. The suicide prevention portal of the Ministry of Health offers support for people with suicidal thoughts and their relatives. At www.suizid-praevention.gv.at, you can find contact details of support facilities in Austria.

(APA/Red)

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