Turnaround in the case of the eight hobby bowlers who are being held in custody on Mallorca on charges of arson: the judge granted them release on bail. A photo probably played a crucial role.
Palma – The cone brothers are free on Mallorca: The eight German tourists who have been in custody for almost two months on charges of arson on the Spanish Mediterranean island should be allowed to leave the Centro Penitenciario in the north of Palma on Friday. After the news broke, 15 to 20 journalists soon gathered in front of the prison. The release on bail of 12,000 euros and subject to conditions had previously been granted by the responsible investigating judge at the request of the defense, as the Balearic Islands judiciary announced on Friday.
The young members of a Münster bowling club will be allowed to leave prison after the bail payments determined by the judge had arrived in good time before the weekend, as the German Press Agency learned from judicial circles. Otherwise, they would have had to remain behind bars at least until Monday, since transfers are only made Monday to Friday.
Germans are said to have started the fire
The Germans, almost all of whom are under 30, are accused of starting a fire near the Ballermann on Playa de Palma on May 20 shortly after their arrival on the island. They are said to have thrown burning butts and alcohol from the balcony of their hotel room onto the thatched roof of the terrace of a restaurant below. The roof caught fire and two pubs, an apartment and parts of the restaurant were damaged. Two people suffered minor injuries.
Tourists have denied setting the fire since day one. Nevertheless, the judge regarded them as urgent suspects and had previously refused to release them on bail. Among other things, because he saw a risk of flight.
The surprising turnaround is probably due to the efforts of the young Spanish lawyer Maria Barbancho Saborit, who was recently hired to reinforce the German-Spanish defense team. In the past few days, she had, among other things, obtained a photo as exculpatory evidence, on which a smoking stranger can be seen on the balcony of the group’s neighboring room and who could also be the perpetrator in question.
Photo turns the case
This photo contributed to the fact that the public prosecutor’s office in Palma first spoke out in favor of the release of the young men baptized by the German media as “bowling brothers”, explained Barbancho Saborit.
The Germans can count themselves lucky, because investigations in Spain can take a long, very long time. And the times in custody are often correspondingly long. In the case of crimes punishable by three or more years, pre-trial detention can last two years. And it can even be extended by a further two years under certain circumstances.
Part of the group already at large
The group originally included a total of 13 vacationers. One of them was released without conditions the day after the fire. He had been able to prove that he was in the shower when the fire broke out. Four other suspects were also allowed to leave the prison in Palma after about two and a half weeks after paying bail of 12,000 euros each. According to reports, they were allowed to leave Mallorca and fly back home.
The twelve Germans suspected of the crime are not completely off the hook yet. Because the investigation continues. If they are eventually charged and found guilty of negligent arson, they can be sentenced to between one and three years in prison in Mallorca, as Spanish lawyers explained at the request of the German Press Agency. In the case of intentional arson, prison sentences of up to six years are provided, it said. In the case of intent and endangering human life, the verdict could also be significantly sharper. dpa
