Fifth nylon-thread trap in Stechelberg: up to five years' imprisonment threatened
Nylon threads have been discovered five times at take-off and landing sites for base jumpers in Stechelberg. The Bern cantonal police are investigating, and the public prosecutor's office is examining a case.
Nylon-thread traps in Stechelberg: Investigation underway following fifth incident
For the fifth time, unknown individuals have strung a nylon thread in Stechelberg that could place base jumpers and paraglider pilots in mortal danger. According to 20 Minuten, sports enthusiasts discovered a thread at foot height at the take-off site "La Mousse" last Saturday – for the first time, a take-off platform was also affected.
The four previous incidents occurred exclusively at landing sites in the municipality of Lauterbrunnen. In the first case, a pilot flew into such a thread but remained uninjured. According to the Bern cantonal police, no one has been injured so far.
The Bern cantonal police have confirmed all five reports. "We have taken each of these reports seriously and initiated corresponding investigations, which are currently still ongoing," said a police spokeswoman. The Oberland public prosecutor's office is expected to open proceedings for attempted endangerment of life.
Legally, the traps could have considerable consequences. "In the first instance, intentional disruption of public traffic would come into consideration," legal expert Stephan Schlegel told 20 Minuten. This carries a sentence of up to three years' imprisonment or a fine – provided the alleged perpetrators were aware of the danger or accepted it.
A conviction for endangerment of life is also conceivable, Schlegel continued. In this case, up to five years' imprisonment or a fine is threatened. However, direct endangerment of life would have to be proven, which cannot be conclusively assessed on the basis of video footage alone. In principle, attempted assault could also be considered.
"It is terrible that someone would do something like this – it creates fear."
The Swiss Base Association informed its community via WhatsApp channel and emphasised shared responsibility: "The police continue to monitor the landing sites every morning. However, at the take-off sites, it is the responsibility of each individual jumper to carefully check for potential hazards before jumping."
The association called on people to immediately report any nylon threads found to the police and not to remove them, so that evidence can be secured.
Source: 20 Minuten