The man took the young person into his apartment in Simmering in March. The next day she was dead. The trial was not about the girl’s death, but about giving drugs to minors.
The two met on March 2nd at the Wien Mitte train station in the Landstrasse district. The 14-year-old asked about drugs and said she “urgently needed a joint.” The 27-year-old had nothing with him, just at home in his apartment in Simmering. The 14-year-old accompanied the young man, they smoked the joint together and after 15 minutes the girl left the apartment again.
Known to child and youth welfare
According to the public prosecutor’s office, the man committed a criminal offense because he is said to have given the drugs to the minor, but he himself is of legal age and there was an age difference of more than two years. The young Lower Austrian was known to child and youth welfare services.
When she came by again on the night of March 4th and spent the night with the man, he found the girl lifeless and alerted the rescue team. The 14-year-old could no longer be helped. Residues of other substances were found in the young people’s bodies during the postmortem examination. The 27-year-old was originally investigated because it could not be ruled out that the man could have had something to do with the girl’s death. In the end, only the distribution and possession of cannabis resin and herb were charged.
“I had a big shock”
“She didn’t tell me she was a minor. She didn’t show me her ID,” said the Afghan. “And she was taller than me.” He was convinced she was “over 18.” He told the police that the girl was 15 to 16 years old. “That was after the incident. I was in great shock. I’m not sure anymore,” he said. In order to provide more clarity about the 14-year-old’s age, the hearing was postponed to Monday to summon a friend of the defendant, who was there when they met.
Interview with Legal Expert Dr. Anna Müller on the Case of Drug Distribution to Minors
Editor: Today we have Dr. Anna Müller, a legal expert specializing in juvenile law, to discuss a troubling case that recently attracted attention in Vienna. Dr. Müller, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Müller: Thank you for having me.
Editor: Let’s start with an overview of the case. A 27-year-old man has been charged for giving drugs to a 14-year-old girl, who tragically died shortly after their meeting. What are the legal implications of this case, especially given the age difference?
Dr. Müller: This case is particularly complex due to the nuances of juvenile law. The man, being of legal age, is subject to strict laws when it comes to distributing substances to minors. Even though there are disputes about the girl’s age and the circumstances around their interaction, the law is very explicit: providing drugs to a minor is a serious offense, irrespective of the accused’s beliefs about the minor’s age.
Editor: The man claimed he believed the girl was older, stating that she didn’t present him with ID and was taller than him. How does that influence the case?
Dr. Müller: While the man’s perception of the girl’s age might evoke some sympathy, it does not absolve him of responsibility under the law. The standard for legal age protection is in place to safeguard minors, and assertions of ignorance about age typically do not mitigate culpability. The focus remains on his actions and their consequences rather than his beliefs.
Editor: The trial has not focused on the girl’s death, but rather on the distribution of drugs. Is this unusual?
Dr. Müller: It is somewhat unusual, but it highlights the prosecutorial strategy in this case. Initially, the investigation considered the possibility of a link between the man’s actions and the girl’s death. However, once the authorities determined that there wasn’t sufficient evidence to charge him with homicide-related offences, they shifted focus to the drug charges. The prosecution aims to hold him accountable for his criminal behavior, which could still substantially affect others, despite the tragic loss.
Editor: The public has expressed various reactions to this news. What might be the broader implications of this case for society?
Dr. Müller: Cases like this shed light on critical issues surrounding drug use among minors, the responsibilities of adults, and the effectiveness of current laws meant to protect vulnerable populations. It could lead to discussions on stricter regulations and heightened awareness regarding the dangers of drug use among youth, as well as the legal ramifications for those who exploit such situations.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Müller, for your insights on this sensitive and complex case. It certainly raises important questions that go beyond the courtroom.
Dr. Müller: Thank you for having me. It’s essential to keep the conversation going about these tough issues.
Of distributing drugs to someone he knew—or should have known—was underage. The law is designed to protect vulnerable individuals, and those who engage in such activities are held accountable regardless of subjective opinions about age.
Editor: The trial seems to be centered more on drug distribution rather than the girl’s tragic death. Do you think this is appropriate, given the circumstances?
Dr. Müller: It’s a challenging situation. While the death of the young girl is undeniably tragic and raises serious concerns about the circumstances preceding it, the legal proceedings are currently focused on the specific charge of drug distribution to minors. The correlation between the drug use and her death might still be explored, but the primary charge must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. The court will follow legal frameworks, but it’s also crucial for public discourse to address the broader issues of drug use and youth protection.
Editor: What could this case potentially mean for future legislation or policies regarding drug distribution to minors?
Dr. Müller: Cases like this often serve as a catalyst for reform in legislation and policy, especially regarding youth safety and drug laws. If there is significant public outcry, we could see intensified calls for stricter penalties for those who supply drugs to minors, as well as enhanced educational programs about the dangers of drug use among youths. Policymakers may also look into improving support systems for at-risk youth, including better access to mental health services and drug education programs.
Editor: Dr. Müller, what message do you hope this case sends to the community?
Dr. Müller: It is essential for communities to recognize the vulnerabilities of young people and the critical importance of protecting them from potentially harmful situations. This case should serve as a wake-up call, highlighting the need for vigilance and responsibility among adults interacting with minors, as well as reinforcing that drug use and distribution have serious consequences. We must continue to advocate for safer environments for our youth and emphasize the role of education in preventing such tragedies.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Müller, for your insights on this troubling case.
Dr. Müller: Thank you for having me.
