Bloody discussion in Oldenburg: Police demands Taser-Use!

Bloody discussion in Oldenburg: Police demands Taser-Use!

Oldenburg, Deutschland - on the night of Easter Sunday there was a tragic incident in Oldenburg that cost a 21-year-old life. According to the autopsy, the victim was shot at by a police officer at least four times. The young man suffered injuries to the hip, on the upper body and on the head; Three shots hit him from behind, while another shot roamed his thigh. He died in the hospital a short time later after he had previously sprayed irritant gas in front of a discotheque and slightly injured several people. After the incident, the man fled while some people ran after the persecution because he threatened with a knife.

The situation escalated when the 27-year-old police officer who gave up the fatal shot was injured in the confrontation with the young man. The shooter was suspended from duty, and a procedure for suspected manslaughter is carried out against him. This incident has initiated a discussion about the use of Tasern within the police. The German Police Union (DPolG) requires permission to use electric shock devices in order to avoid such fatal firearms in the future. Patrick Seegers, DPolG chairman in Lower Saxony, argues that Tasern should be used as a safer alternative in patrol service.

risks and requirements for Taser use

A taser releases stone shocks from a safe distance and can make people unable to act. Nevertheless, there are health risks, especially for people with previous illnesses such as heart disease. In Lower Saxony, the use of Tasern is only reserved for the special operations commands (SEK), which has sparked the debate about broader availability.

In addition, Amnesty International raises serious concerns about electric shock devices in a current report. The report documents the use of Tasern by police and law enforcement authorities in over 40 countries, whereby there were at least ten deaths in connection with their use between 2021 and 2023. The organization criticizes the improper use of Tasern, especially against vulnerable groups and non -violent people.

demands for global standards

Amnesty International calls for a global legally binding agreement to regulate the production and trade of police equipment. In Germany, several companies are active in the sale of electric shockers, which are offered both in the national and international market. The abuse of these devices leads to serious human rights violations. The use of Tasern in demonstrations, border security and psychiatric clinics is an additional challenge for avoiding violence.

The combination of tragic incidents such as that in Oldenburg and the warnings of human rights organizations makes it clear that the debate about the use of Tasern must not only be led to national but also international level. Responsible handling of such safety devices could help ensure the security of the general public and at the same time protect the rights of the individual. In all concerns about the security of the police officers, the probably must not lose sight of the citizens.