Actually, an explosive phone log was supposed to rid ex-chancellor Sebastian Kurz of the serious charges against him. Shortly after making this public, however, potential star witness Schmid is asked about contradictions — and tells a very different story.
The key witness-to-be was quoted after 15 days of voluntary interrogation due to current events at the WKStA. Two days after Sebastian Kurz presented a transcript of a tape recording of a telephone conversation between him and Thomas Schmid intended to exonerate the former chancellor, Schmid had to show up. Why hasn’t he mentioned the conversation until now?
He generally got the impression that phone calls were tapped. A file note and the interrogation protocol of October 21 are also available for the “Krone”.
Contradictions clarified?
Investigators also asked about contradictions with his confession. Briefly as the mastermind and originator of the leg scraper studies, who are supposed to accompany the shooting star on the way to the chancellery in Fellner in exchange for advertisements and laudatory messages. Funded by the Ministry of Finance. Infidelity, bribery, venality, abuse of office. That’s the presumption. In addition to Kurz, nine other people are charged. It is the presumption of innocence.
Schmid worried about being bugged
But according to the short protocol, this was not the case. Schmid: “I rummaged around, downplayed everything.” In terms of a common defense strategy, the WKStA should listen. Schmid says Kurz told him shortly after the October 2021 search that he, the ex-finance general and ÖBAG boss, had to take all the blame.
He dictated the text to him. Schmid ignored calls. “I was in shock at the time because I assumed my existence would be destroyed and now my mobile is going to be a disaster for the ÖVP.” Then, on October 18, 2021, the special conversation.
The Kurz camp is looking for even more help
The episode is another relief for Sebastian Kurz’s camp. “It’s weird when someone gives everything in detail for 15 days, but no important phone call. And then there are those contradictions.” A spokesperson for Kurz adds: “The allegations are increasingly fragmented.”
More news: While the investigation against Kurz for making false statements to the Ibiza Commission is nearing completion, another chapter is likely to be shelved. According to Schmid, Kurz’s partner should have received a salary increase and promotion at the ministry if he intervened. She was given the position of a colleague on leave (68 euros more per month) and a usual bonus payment. Holds the WKStA.
Source: Krone
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