Leading up to the Bundestag vote this Friday, Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig of the SPD is advocating for tougher penalties for using knockout drugs in sexual crimes. Speaking to the “Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung” (Friday edition), the SPD politician stated that this law would send a clear message to offenders, potential offenders, and victims.
The proposal involves setting a minimum sentence, arguing that five years is excessive for such crimes. This measure, she explained, clearly demonstrates that the actions constitute grave misconduct. In the future, substances like knockout drops would be treated legally as a weapon or another “dangerous means.”
The Minister described the use of narcotics, including knockout drops, as a serious problem. She noted that women are particularly affected, often having substances discreetly added to their drinks in bars or at parties, only to then be sexually coerced or raped. This is not limited to casual attacks; it also includes cases where men incapacitate their partners, rape them themselves, or allow other men to rape them. Furthermore, these acts are occasionally filmed and disseminated online. Hubig specifically cited the case of Gisèle Pelicot, along with similar incidents in Germany.
She characterized the act of a partner administering these drugs, possibly within their shared home, as incredibly low and perfidious. Hubig expressed her empathy, noting that one cannot fully comprehend the trauma victims endure as a result.
Addressing concerns raised by the Federal Council that a greater time gap between the administration of the drops and the crime could complicate harsher sentencing, Hubig dismissed these fears. She acknowledged that there is no loophole, but stressed that it is part of the rule of law that a defendant must be acquitted if the crime cannot be proven.
While acknowledging that proving the use of knockout drops can be difficult, Hubig insisted that it is not impossible. She pointed out that convictions for the use of these substances occur regularly, meaning there is a concrete risk that offenders will be caught and severely punished.
