Chapter 33

Summary

• Breitwieser's lawyer argues that his client's 444 days in jail is enough punishment for his crimes of art theft, highlighting his non-violent nature.
• Two witnesses, Christian Meichler, a friend, and Breitwieser's father, vouch for his character, painting a picture of an art enthusiast consumed by his passion.
• Breitwieser plans to return the stolen artwork in future but his claim is met with disbelief and frustration from the Swiss prosecutor who labels Breitwieser as a dangerous, remorseless man.
• The defense argues Breitwieser was merely "borrowing" works of art with the intent to return them, drawing parallels with past cases — the 1961 theft of Goya’s Duke of Wellington and the 1911 theft of the Mona Lisa; both thieves served less time than he has.
• The Swiss prosecutor argues against the defense, enumerating the extent of Breitwieser's thefts and expressing outrage from victims, including museum curators, gallery owners, and auction houses.
• Many artifacts stolen by Breitwieser are still missing, including a bugle from the Wagner Museum and certain wooden carvings, leading to suspicions that his mother might have disposed of them in undisclosed bodies of water. Alternatively, it is suspected these artifacts might have been destroyed in a fire.
• Breitwieser's thefts from Gruyères Castle and a history museum in Valais, and the impact on these establishments, are discussed during the trial.
• Breitwieser displays detailed knowledge about stolen items during the trial, giving credibility to his claimed passion for the art itself rather than its monetary value.
• In his closing argument, the prosecutor presents a letter intercepted from Breitwieser to his girlfriend, evidencing his lack of guilt and motivation to continue stealing if not apprehended.
• A psychotherapist's report labels Breitwieser as a high-risk repeat offender incapable of feeling guilt, supporting the prosecution's call for a lengthy sentence.
• The trial ends with the judge allowing the jury to deliberate after hearing both the defense's plea for clemency and the prosecutor's demand for a harsh punishment.