Bank robbers convicted for detonating explosives at ATMs receive extensive prison sentences
In a landmark decision, the Frankfurt Regional Court has sentenced six individuals for a series of ATM bombings that took place in 2022 and 2023, marking the first time in Germany that no perpetrator has been convicted of attempted murder in connection with an ATM explosion.
The gang, responsible for a total of seven explosions in various cities, caused significant damage and disruption. The explosions occurred in the states of Hessian, Rhineland-Palatinate, and North Rhine-Westphalia, affecting cities such as Frankfurt, Bad Homburg, Neu-Isenburg, Jünkerath, and Wickede.
Despite the potential danger posed by these uncontrolled explosions, no innocent bystanders were harmed during the operations. As a result, the primary conviction for the six individuals was for causing an explosion using explosives, not attempted murder.
Initially, state prosecutors had requested custodial sentences of up to 14 years for attempted murder, arguing that bystanders could have been killed. However, the jury chamber did not follow this request, highlighting the court's focus on the severity of the crimes but not establishing a precedent for attempted murder convictions in such cases.
The damage caused by the explosions was nearly three times the amount stolen. The gang managed to steal over 870,000 euros from the ATMs, but the total damage caused by the explosions was over 2.5 million euros.
The sentences handed down to the six individuals range from 5 years to 13 years and 9 months, with the main perpetrator receiving the longest sentence. The court's decision underscores the seriousness of the crimes committed and serves as a deterrent for future offenders.
This case offers a valuable insight into the German justice system's approach to ATM bombings and the potential for attempted murder charges in such cases. While no innocent lives were lost in this instance, the potential for harm is always present, and it remains to be seen how future cases will be handled.
[1] https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/atm-bomben-in-deutschland-kein-versuch-mord-anklage-a-e739c0f5-665c-43c5-b294-e1a701336e78 [2] https://www.tagesspiegel.de/politik/atm-bomben-in-deutschland-kein-versuch-mord-anklage-a-e739c0f5-665c-43c5-b294-e1a701336e78
The ATM bombings in various cities across Germany, categorized under general-news, resulted in a series of explosions that were investigated by crime-and-justice authorities. The court's decision, reflecting the severity of the crimes, handed down sentences ranging from 5 years to 13 years and 9 months for six individuals responsible, setting a significant precedent in the realm of politics and justice.
