“Cannibal of Rotenburg” had werewolf-compulsions
The “Cannibal of Rotenburg” had a werewolf-like compulsion to eat human flesh, a German court heard yesterday.
The self-confessed “cannibal” is accused of murdering a man on March 10, 2001, who was apparently the willing accomplice to his own death, dissection and consumption.
Yesterday, the court in Kassel was shown three graphic 90-minute home videos of Armin Meiwes killing and eating the victim.
Mr Meiwes insists the man he ate, Bernd-Juergen Brandes, had given his full consent.
Mr Meiwes told the court he was looking for another person to kill prior to his arrest. He had reportedly found around 400 potential ‘victims’ on the internet by the time he was arrested.
Police said Mr Meiwes appeared to have the desire to eat human flesh every six to eight weeks under a full moon.
The legal ramifications of the case may set a new legal precedent in Germany, where cannibalism is not listed as a crime.
Mr Meiwes has admitted to killing the man, but denies murder, arguing that he was only doing what he was asked.
Legal experts say Mr Meiwes may receive a maximum five-year sentence for “killing on demand.”
He has been charged with murder for the purposes of sexual satisfaction and “disturbing the peace of the dead” for carving up the body.
