Acquittal for nine police officers after a fatal operation in Mülheim

After a police operation with fatal consequences, nine police officers were acquitted of charges of causing grievous bodily harm while in office. On January 6, 2024, the officials had tied the hands and feet of a refugee from Guinea in a prone position in Mülheim/Ruhr and connected both restraints on his back with cable ties. “This shackling was a suitable and necessary measure,” said the Duisburg regional court’s ruling.

The refugee, whose exact age is not known, was taken to an ambulance after the operation. Shortly afterwards his pulse stopped. The resuscitation measures that were immediately initiated were unsuccessful. According to the verdict, the cause of death was a combination of “positional suffocation” and a heart attack - promoted by cocaine consumption, an acute state of excitement and lung damage.

“The defendants have not committed any criminal offenses”

The police were called to a refugee village at that time. The security service had requested support because the man who later died was said to have rioted. After the officers arrived, the young man from Guinea fought back and fled, according to the verdict. The use of electric shock guns had no effect. In the end, the refugee was restrained and handcuffed by eight officers.

According to the verdict, being tied up in the prone position was a contributing factor in the refugee's death. However, the measure was necessary and proportionate because the man had defended himself and injured police officers. “The defendants did not commit a criminal offense and should be acquitted for factual reasons,” said judge Christina Frick. The 27 to 54-year-old police officers were not charged with homicide. The judgment is not final.