(Kassel, Germany) A German man on trial for murder after killing, and then partially eating his date, told the court Wednesday it was "like taking communion" in a religious service.
Armin Meiwes, 42, has admitted the murder and cannibalism. He met his victim, Berlin engineer Bernd Jurgen Brandes, 43, in March 2001 through a gay internet bulletin board.
Using the penname 'Franky from Germany' he posted his "request" on the Gay Cannibals BBS which he ran.
"If you are between 18 and 25 years old you are my boy. Come to me and I eat your horny flesh".
The case came to light when Meiwes posted more ads after Meiwes death for additional victims, and readers of the postings contacted police (story).
Meiwes testified that Brandes was a willing partner and that they had planned the "event" for months, working out a ritual for Brandes' slaying.
Meiwes told the court that Brandes replied to posting: "I offer myself to you."
Brandes agreed to be castrated and have the organ flambéed and then served up for the two to eat.
"I didn't do anything against his will," Meiwes told the court.
The computer programmer was dressed in a black suit and composed as he testified.
"He knew that he could have turned back at any moment but he chose not to," Meiwes said.
"He told me he had had the desire since he was a child to be slaughtered and eaten," Meiwes said. "He was very intelligent and I didn't see any sign that he was disturbed."
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