Adolf P. from Geleen ran an aid fund for Roma people. He also helped his brother-in-law from the Czech Republic, but he wanted money and threatened Adolf, says his lawyer. Adolf wanted to scare his brother-in-law with his car and drove into him. Attempted manslaughter, the prosecution believes.
Adolf runs a foundation for needy Roma in the Netherlands. He arranges shelter, work, education for them. For this he receives a subsidy from the state. "But occasionally people ask me for money. I can't give that. Then they get angry and start threatening. I am threatened because of my own goodness," the 39-year-old man from Geleen said yesterday in court in Maastricht.

Threat

He was allegedly threatened several times by his wife's brother, a Czech Roma for whom Adolf had arranged work at McDonald's and lodging. The Czech then also demanded money because he thought Adolf had enough money at his disposal with his Roma foundation, argues his lawyer Sjanneke de Crom.

Scare

The man from Geleen had had enough of the threats. "I wanted to scare him, but not hit him," Adolf said. But that is exactly what happened, when the Czech walked along Jos Klijnenlaan with Adolf's cousin on the evening of May 23. With his Mercedes all-terrain vehicle, he scooped the victim, who landed on the hood and suffered severe bruises.

Attempted manslaughter

Attempted manslaughter, the prosecution believes, demanding eighteen months in prison, six of which are on probation. De Crom thinks that is far too severe, because Adolf acted out of panic and helplessness and drove far too calmly for a fatal collision. "There was no question of intent." She further asked the court to take into account Adolf's important projects for Roma, which stagnate without him. The court will rule in two weeks. The victim has since returned to the Czech Republic.

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