The accusation: Dangerous Threats and Joint Obligation

Prosecutors argue that the 61-year-old defendant from Upper Bavaria is culpable in Dr. Kellermayr’s death due to the threatening nature of his communications.The prosecution’s case rests on a psychiatric evaluation and the doctor’s own notes,suggesting a direct link between the threats and her decision to take her own life. The defendant faces a potential sentence of up to ten years if convicted.

We watch them, the prosecutor quoted from one of the messages, indicating the defendant’s intent to subject Dr.Kellermayr to a future folk tribunal and imprisonment.

Defendant Claims Innocence,Cites other Threats

The defendant denies any responsibility for Dr. Kellermayr’s death. while acknowledging that he sent the messages in question, motivated by his opposition to COVID-19 vaccination, he claims that Dr.Kellermayr also received far more violent and disturbing threats from unidentified sources. His defense argues that he is being made a “scapegoat” and that the other threats, not his messages, were the primary cause of her distress.

I’m not the one you were looking for, but the one you found, the lawyer read, quoting his client’s statement.

The Context: A Doctor Under Siege

Dr. Kellermayr, a vocal proponent of COVID-19 vaccination, faced a barrage of hostility and threats as a result of her public advocacy. This is not an isolated incident; healthcare professionals worldwide have reported increased harassment and threats since the start of the pandemic. A recent study by the American Medical Association found that nearly one in five physicians have experienced online harassment related to their work during the pandemic.

In response to the escalating threats, Dr. Kellermayr invested heavily in security measures for her practice,including hiring security personnel. Though, the financial strain eventually forced her to close her practice in June 2022, just a month before her death.

Defense Strategy: Questioning Causation and Highlighting Doctor’s History

The defense team presented evidence of Dr. Kellermayr’s engagement in heated online debates about COVID-19 restrictions and vaccinations, suggesting that she actively responded to and even mocked her detractors. They also introduced details about her pre-existing psychological issues, raising doubts about whether the defendant’s messages were the direct cause of her suicide. The defense aims to demonstrate that other factors may have contributed to her tragic decision.

A Father’s Doubt: Challenging the Suicide Narrative

In a surprising turn, Dr. Kellermayr’s father testified that he does not believe his daughter committed suicide. He cited technical details surrounding her death, suggesting the possibility of foul play. Though, his theory did not appear to gain traction with the judge or prosecutors, who did not pursue further questioning on this choice scenario.