Santa Claus beats children at markets: shock for Stralsund!

Santa Claus beats children at markets: shock for Stralsund!

In an extraordinary court hearing, the Stralsund district court has now discontinued proceedings against a 62-year-old Santa Claus actor. The entertaining but worrying incident took place in November last year at the Stralsund Christmas market, where the defendant was supposed to distribute much more than just fir branches. Loud faz.net The defendant hit a four-year-old boy - according to his own account - not with the intention of hurting him, but with a pine branch after the boy had stuck his tongue out at him.

The incident attracted widespread attention not only in the courtroom but also among the public. According to case law, the public prosecutor saw reason to discontinue the proceedings because the media attention was already a punishment for Santa Claus. The proposal was accepted by both sides, the defendant and the defense. As a result, he only had to pay a fine of 4,000 euros.

A conversation about respect or a slap in the face?

The incident caused a lot of discussion, especially among parents. The little victim's mother reported that Santa Claus initially spoke to her son and then suddenly hit him with the rod. He is said to have previously called the boy a “shithole,” which didn’t exactly defuse the situation. Another witness confirmed that it was a real blow and not a harmless slap, as might have been the performer's intention.

Santa Claus finally explained that he actually wanted to generate respect and respect with the "slap", but he didn't realize that he hit the boy in the face. But not only the act itself, but also the man's reaction is remarkable: After more than five decades as Santa Claus, he declared that it was time for him to end this part of his career. The tradition of portraying the role of Santa Claus in his family will end for now.

Child protection and social responsibility

Such an event raises questions about child protection, which is now a central issue in society. Statistically speaking, there are four types of child endangerment: neglect, physical abuse, psychological abuse and sexual violence. In view of the events in Stralsund, which indicate physical abuse, it should not be forgotten that children and young people can often be affected by several types of danger. Also destatis.de provides information about the diverse facets of child protection and emphasizes the importance of preventative measures.

The incident not only teaches a lesson about respect when dealing with children, but it also shows how quickly a seemingly harmless situation can turn into a questionable act. The public, the media and the judiciary have a responsibility to pay attention and ensure protection for the youngest in our society.

A Santa Claus who can no longer follow his tradition and a kindergarten child who is confronted with such an incident - there is definitely something going on that we shouldn't ignore.