Registry Office – Soldier in SS Uniform: Tanner Responds to Criticism

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Following the outcry over the case of a non-commissioned officer who was allowed to continue serving in the army despite wearing an SS uniform, Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner (ÖVP) set up a committee on Tuesday “to combat anti-state tendencies”, as announced. The chair is Barbara Glück of the Mauthausen Memorial, other committee members include Danielle Spera and former army commander Franz Reißner.

According to a statement from the ministry, the task of the commission is to “review and further develop the structures in the field of countering anti-state tendencies in the BMLV”. This includes, for example, setting up a separate hotline for anti-Semitic cases. The commission should also develop a wider range of training, continuing education and teaching materials for the training of soldiers.

Mild punishment for SS soldiers
Tanner had been sharply criticized in the course of the case. The soldier was sentenced by the regional court in Klagenfurt to ten months in prison and a fine of 1,200 euros for involvement in Nazi activities. He was only fined by the disciplinary judge. The disciplinary lawyer appointed by the Ministry of Defense raised the possibility of dismissal, but did not claim, only a fine of almost 5,000 euros. Constitutional experts said Tanner could have instructed the disciplinary attorney to at least request his resignation.

Automatic termination of civil servants
The government tried to calm the waves because of the public excitement. Justice Minister Alma Zadic (Greens) and Constitutional Affairs Minister Karoline Edtstadler (ÖVP) announced a reform under which any final conviction under the Prohibition Act would automatically result in the loss of office of officials in the future, regardless of any disciplinary action. “With the bill announced and with our committee, we are not only setting an example, we are also taking action and giving anti-Semitism no chance, especially in the ranks of the federal army,” Tanner confirmed on Tuesday.

Source: Krone

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