A man well-known by police was due to attend his trial for voluntary assault in Diekirch on Thursday, but did not show. Additional security measures were implemented in the hearing room, as the accused has a record of aggression against work colleagues in Troisvierges, and screaming 'Allahu Akbar' at the tax office in Clervaux.
A police officer at the hearing explained that the accused considers himself to have acted within his rights. He reportedly denounces others as paedophiles for the slightest reason, and then takes justice into his own hands.
One of the incidents for the accused was to appear in court took place in March 2017 in the industrial sector of Troisvierges. A man, who did not appear at court out of fear, was beaten and left with two broken ribs. He was given 15 days off due to incapacity to work, and the victim's lawyer, Mr Marc Becker, claimed €22,500 in damages.
A second incident occurred in March 2019, when the accused went to the tax office in Clervaux to complete his tax return paperwork. When the lady to whom he had presented himself refused his documents, he started asking questions. The civil servant went to her colleague and her superior out of discomfort, who told her to attempt to get him to leave.
The man then asked her if she did not know who he is, claiming he is a dangerous man and that he would return. On his way out, he screamed 'Allahu Akbar', terrifying the civil servant.
According to the police officer, the accused had filmed his visit to the tax office and posted the video on Youtube, speaking about an incident at the 'tax mafia'. At the police station, the man believed he had been mistreated by everyone and that it was not his intention to frighten others.
The representative of the Public Prosecutor's Office reports that the accused (a recidivist) considers himself to be the victim, as told by his psychiatrist. However, it seems the man has understood his stance, as he withdrew several publications.
The prosecutor requested 18 months of prison time, as well as a fine against the accused. A verdict is expected on 22 October 2020.
