Scandal on the train: man exposes himself in front of women – police intervene!

Scandal on the train: man exposes himself in front of women – police intervene!

On Wednesday afternoon, an incident on a train from Laupheim to Ulm caused a stir. A 35-year-old lowered his pants on the regional express and exposed himself in front of three young women between the ages of 16 and 18. The confused and shocked witnesses couldn't believe their eyes and immediately called the federal police, who reacted quickly. At around 3 p.m., the man was received and checked by emergency services at Ulm main train station. He is now being investigated on suspicion of causing public nuisance, according to [Augsburger Allgemeine](https://www.augsburger- Allgemeine.de/neu-ulm/ulm-laupheim-mann-laesst-im-zug-die-hosen-runter-frauen-rufen-die-polizei-109281927) reports.

But what exactly does “provoking public nuisance” mean? According to Section 183a of the German Criminal Code, this is a criminal offense that can be punished with a prison sentence of up to one year or a fine. The offense includes public sexual acts that intentionally or knowingly cause a nuisance. If you want to classify the 35-year-old's case, Section 183 of the Criminal Code could also be relevant, as it could involve exhibitionistic acts. However, if this act does not fall under the law, it can be considered a nuisance to the general public, as Wikipedia explains.

The legal consequences

In 2018, there were a total of 240 convictions for causing public nuisance in Germany, with 226 of them involving men and only 14 involving women. Lawmakers seem to keep an eye on how people behave in public spaces.

There are also similar regulations in neighboring countries. In Austria, public sexual acts can be punished with up to six months in prison or a fine according to Section 218 of the Criminal Code. In Switzerland, the same applies with regard to public sexual behavior, which can be viewed as physical sexual harassment. In general, there are major differences in the international legal situation, as shown particularly by the regulations in the USA, where the phenomenon of “public indecency” takes on different dimensions.

Horrifying behavior

At a time when sensitivity to public safety and personal boundaries is increasingly at the forefront, such behavior on a train is a serious matter. The federal police and the judiciary will certainly take a close look at this incident. The reporting focuses on the amplitude of the man's behavior, which raises not only legal but also moral questions.

It remains to be seen whether the incident in Laupheim is an exception or rather a sign of a general dissolution of boundaries in society. However, one thing is clear: protecting the public and maintaining order is of great importance and appropriate measures are necessary.