Posted21 avril 2022, 20:58
A man living in Arbon (TG) had ordered multifunction rings on the internet. His order never arrived, but he received a penal order for “breach of the weapons law”.
Rings fulfill different roles, including that of climbing accessories.
Aliexpress.com/Screenshot
At the end of last year, a 34-year-old man from Arbon (TG) ordered four multi-tool rings on the Aliexpress website. The rings are advertised as being able to be used in a variety of ways, including as climbing accessories. “I thought there was something funny and magical regarding them and it was a practical gift for friends,” he explains.
But her order never arrived in her mailbox. Instead, he received a penal order for “breach of the weapons law”. The conviction stipulates that the individual would have ordered four brass knuckles when he did not have the authorization to import into Switzerland prescribed by law. Consequence: he was fined 1,500 francs, to which are added procedural costs of 375 francs.
Opposition possible
For the 34-year-old, this whole situation is incomprehensible. “I can’t imagine how you can use it as a weapon without breaking your fingers, since each limb is mobile,” he says. He recalls that a brass knuckles is stationary and is supposed to be stuck in the palm of the hand to protect the fingers. If he recognizes that there is a broad definition of brass knuckles, “this sentence is disproportionate for a person who does not have a criminal record”, he laments.
Marco Breu, head of media at the Public Prosecutor’s Office of Thurgau, points out that an accused person can in principle oppose a penal order within ten days if he does not agree with it. In addition, the accused can provide exculpatory evidence in opposition proceedings. “If the suspicions are dismissed during the opposition procedure, the penal order is canceled,” he concludes.
Asked by “20 Minuten”, an experienced mountain guide gave his point of view on the situation. After admitting that he had never seen such rings before, he felt that they might not be used as climbing equipment in any way. “I don’t see what these rings might be used for,” he said.
(ma/aze)