Left-Wing Extremists Sentenced to Probation After Failed Attack in Berlin

In a significant legal development, two men have been sentenced to two years of probation for their involvement in a failed bombing attempt in Berlin nearly three decades ago. The individuals, Peter K. (65) and Thomas W. (62), were part of a group known as 'Das K.O.M.I.T.T.E.E.' that had plotted to detonate explosives at a detention center under construction in Berlin-Grünau during the night of April 10-11, 1995. After evading authorities for years while living in South America, they returned to Germany and confessed to their crimes.

The Berlin Kammergericht issued the ruling, emphasizing that the relatively light punishment was appropriate given that the attack was never executed and significant time had elapsed since the incident. The court noted that the defendants had returned to face justice and had admitted their guilt, which contributed to its decision.

Throughout the trial, the court highlighted that the attempted bombing was thwarted by sheer chance, with the judge noting that the defendants fled when law enforcement approached, leaving behind personal documents that confirmed their presence at the scene.

The judge elaborated on the reasons why the statute of limitations had not expired, pointing out that the time frame was repeatedly interrupted by the defendants' actions. The court characterized the sentence as neither overly harsh nor unduly lenient, reflecting a balanced approach considering the defendants' prolonged evasion from justice and the age of the men, which likely reduces the risk of future criminal behavior.

In a statement following the verdict, the judge acknowledged the high level of criminal intent demonstrated by the defendants, while also recognizing the challenges they faced while living in exile for over half their lives. The judge concluded by thanking the parties involved and wishing the defendants well.

As they left the courtroom, the defendants celebrated their probation with friends and supporters, marking the end of a long legal saga that began in the mid-1990s.