Bomb threat

Under a bomb threat is defined as the intention to threaten a (usually public ) building by means of an actual or alleged to have placed bomb.

Consequences, goals

Possible goals, why the perpetrator threatened a building with an explosion of a bomb may be that

• The offender is pursuing a political goal. He could commit the deed on behalf of a terrorist group or want to force the fact the release of a jailed accomplice.
• The perpetrator heavy losses ( both family, as well as professionally ) suffered. He goes mad and sees no other way out to get rid of his anger and anxiety than those applied against third parties.
• In the majority of cases, it turned out that it was in a bomb threat to a false alarm, as no explosive device was dropped. Nevertheless, in bomb threats created fear and sometimes even panic among the population. After bomb threats often inflame political policy discussions about the security situation.

Significant bomb threats and their consequences

Time and again, public buildings such as airports, railway stations or schools of bomb threats in fear and terror are added.

• Case Study 1 - Dusseldorf airport

On September 14, 2003, a stranger threatened that he had placed a bomb in the airport building. A total of seven bomb threats were present. The consequences were dramatic: The entire airport was evacuated and cordoned off. Flights were canceled and there were considerable delays in air traffic. The highway linking the airport was shut off. Therefore, a short time later broke along the flow of traffic. Thousands of travelers were unable to begin their flight and luggage was not issued as a precaution. Passengers were not allowed to leave the aircraft. A total of 180 officials of Federal and police on duty and examined more than seven hours after the bomb - but in vain. There was no bomb found.

• Case Study 2 - Hauptbahnhof Hamburg

On 20 August 2006, a stranger threatened that he had placed a bomb in the Hamburg Central Station. Again, the consequences were dramatic: Thousands of train passengers had to leave the station and hundreds of police officers searched the entire building complex. But here, no bomb was found.

Criminal penalties

In Germany, the bomb threat is a disturbance of the public peace by the threat of criminal offenses pursuant to § 126 para 2 of the Criminal Code are punishable.

" Shall be similarly punished, who, against his better judgment pretending in a way that is likely to disturb the public peace, the realization of a service referred to in paragraph 1 further unlawful acts is imminent. "

Under the provisions of that paragraph 1 (meaning § 126 of the Criminal Code, paragraph 1, item 6 ) falls among others the threat of causing an explosion with in accordance with § 308 of the Criminal Code, paragraph 1

" Who else but by releasing nuclear energy, including through explosives, causes an explosion and thereby endangers the life or limb of another person or property of another of significant value, will be punished with imprisonment for not less than one year. "

Paragraph 5 states further:

"Who caused in the case of paragraph 1, the risk of negligence, shall be punished with imprisonment up to five years or a fine. "

And finally, paragraph 6:

"Whoever acts negligently in cases under paragraph 1, and causes the danger negligently, shall be punished with imprisonment up to three years or a fine. "

The provisions of paragraphs 2, 3 and 4 can also find application, are here but not explained in detail, as these are applicable only in advanced cases. If interested, see § 308 of the Criminal Code, paragraph 2, 3 and 4