In court: beggar from Uganda charged with knife attacks

incident on Leopoldplatz: dispute with tragic consequences in Berlin-Wedding

When Aida M. asked for money on November 13, 2023 at Leopoldplatz underground station, everything would come differently than expected. The 51-year-old widow from Uganda, who sits in a wheelchair due to a disability without feet, is accused of having grabbed a woman with a knife that had not complied with her request.

The events are said to have occurred at 11.20 a.m. on the lively Leopoldplatz. The Berlin public prosecutor accuses Aida M. of trying to force the passer -by with a pocket knife to pass money. Since April 24, 2024, AIDA M. has been in custody under the accusation of attempted severe predatory extortion. But she vehemently denies the allegations and claims: "Nothing done! Had no knife!"

A security guard who had a lot to do with AIDA M. reports on numerous incidents. "She always claims: I am the chief of police! There were many incidents with her. Several house bans. She was expelled from the train station almost every day. Was back ten minutes later. Jumped passengers, screamed, spit. Once she pulled out a butterfly knife under her butt and pretended to do so," said the 24-year-old security man.

While the encouraged woman is only to be heard on a later trial day, a psychiatric report is currently being created to determine how dangerous AIDA M. is actually. Depending on the result, you could either threaten a longer prison sentence or accommodation in a psychiatric clinic.

The case reached its climax on August 14th, if the court will make a final judgment.

The role of politics and prevention of such incidents

This incident raises questions about the measures that could be taken on the part of politics to prevent similar situations. In order to avoid such events, the government could invest more in social support systems that help people like AIDA M. Programs for prevention of homelessness and psychological diseases could also contribute significantly to reduce conflicts in public space. A closer cooperation between security forces and social services would be a further step to identify endangered persons in good time and to send them the necessary support.

If you or someone you know, suffer from depression or have suicide thoughts, please contact the telephone pastoral care (www. telefonselsorge.de). On the free hotline 0800-1110111 or 0800-1110222 you will receive help from consultants who can show ways out of difficult situations.