A German mother is contesting a European Arrest Warrant in her regard amid fears that her life might be jeopardised at the hands of her allegedly influential former partner if she were to be returned to her homeland.

Suzanne Schumann, 50, was targeted by the arrest warrant issued by judicial authorities in Germany where she is to face charges relating to an alleged arson attempt on some stables.

The woman had allegedly set fire to the structures, resulting in some €200 of damages and “possibly injuring some horses,” the court was told.

Lawyer Yanika Camilleri, assisting the arrested woman, argued that an alleged arson attack, causing a mere €200 worth of damages, was no good reason to merit the issuing of a European Arrest Warrant.

However, magistrate Aaron Bugeja, presiding over the hearing, pointed out that a court of committal could not enter into the merits of the case, a faculty granted to the German courts.

A court presiding over an extradition case could only investigate specific grounds such as whether the arrested person had already been tried for the same offence, whether the action was time-barred or whether the person was under age.

As to the woman’s fears regarding possible threats to her life back home, the court declared that it would recommend that German authorities ensure that her security was seen to, adding further that it could not bind German police in any way.

Upon being informed by the defence lawyer that her client had been receiving therapy for claustrophobia back in Germany, the magistrate appointed a psychiatrist to examine the woman, assess her condition and report back to the Court.

As the frail-looking woman broke down in tears, the Court issued a recommendation to the prisons director for the latter to detain the arrested person at the Forensic Unit.

The case continues.

Inspector Chris Galea Scannura is prosecuting, assisted by lawyer George Camilleri from the AG’s Office.