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Oldenburg Court Orders Indefinite Psychiatric Detention for Synagogue Arson Suspect

Judges cited a psychotic episode triggered by untreated schizophrenia as grounds for finding him legally unaccountable.

Blumen und Kerzen standen nach dem Anschlag vor der Synagoge im Stadtzentrum in Oldenburg
Eine Menschenmenge mit Israelfahne vor der Oldenburger Synagoge, deren Tür Brandspuren zeigt
Nach einem versuchten Brandanschlag auf eine Synagoge in Oldenburg ist der psychische kranke Täter dauerhaft in eine Psychiatrie eingewiesen worden. Das entschied das Landgericht in der niedersächsischen Stadt.

Overview

  • On April 5, 2024, a 28-year-old man lobbed an incendiary device at the entrance door of Oldenburg’s synagogue.
  • The device failed to ignite and caused only soot damage while no worship service was underway.
  • Authorities identified the suspect months later following public tips generated by a ZDF crime program broadcast.
  • The defendant admitted to skipping his prescribed medication and stated he sought to “warn” Jews worshipping the wrong god.
  • The Landgericht Oldenburg ruled he poses a continuing danger and ordered his commitment to a psychiatric hospital indefinitely.