A Zurich court sentenced a 40-year-old man to 13 years for intentional homicide and disturbing the peace of the dead, amidst courtroom turmoil.

On Thursday evening, the High Court of the Canton of Zurich sentenced a 40-year-old man to 13 years’ imprisonment for intentional homicide and disturbing the peace of the dead. During the sentencing hearing, the man went berserk.

While serving his sentence, the Swiss man must complete an outpatient program. He must also pay his victim’s mother CHF 20,000 in compensation and will incur high costs due to the proceedings. The verdict is not yet final and can be appealed to the Federal Supreme Court.

The public prosecutor had demanded an 18.5-year prison sentence and custody for the man, while the defense lawyer pleaded for a short sentence and immediate release. The High Court chose a middle course, largely confirming the district court’s previous 13.5-year sentence from May 2022. The man has already served eight years of this sentence.

Custody was deemed unnecessary as expert opinions suggested that therapy could reduce the risk of further violence. The presiding judge stated that conditions for custody were not met, and release could be considered if the therapy is successful.

The crime was recounted in court: the accused strangled his subtenant during an argument and desecrated her body. He claimed it was manslaughter due to negligence or violent emotion, but the court determined it was intentional, as he knowingly put the woman in a chokehold until she stopped moving.

During the verdict, the defendant snapped, insulting the judge and the public prosecutor, resulting in his removal from the courtroom. Despite the trial’s nearly eight-year duration due to procedural errors, the court found no gross violation of the requirement for expedited proceedings, only a slight one, leading to a reduced sentence.

©Keystone/SDA