In addition to a number of parties, the judge of first instance, Wolfgang Pöschl, is now in favor of expanding the subcommittee on VP corruption. With the statement by ex-ÖBAG boss Thomas Schmid at the Economic and Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (WKStA), a “new fact has arisen that must be discussed”. He described Schmid’s performance on Thursday as a “terrible, not to say appalling, hour or hours”.
The ex-ÖBAG boss had consistently emphasized his right to refuse to testify, as he was under investigation in almost all areas. This, although he had already testified extensively at the WKStA. Pöschl does not understand that, as he made clear on Friday in the Ö1 “Tomorrow Journal”. With his silence, Schmid “certainly followed the advice of his lawyer”, according to the investigating judge. That was strategy.
“Commission led to absurdum”
In any case, it is certain that Schmid “had to tell the truth here”. He probably didn’t want to put himself at risk of criminal prosecution for false testimony. He testified 15 days before the WKStA: “We planned three hours and got no answer,” said Pöschl. Schmid didn’t answer at all, he didn’t even want to answer when asked if there was an autograph from him. “This actually led the committee to the absurd,” said the investigating judge.
Wolfgang Pöschl now hopes for a speedy decision from the Federal Administrative Court, as Schmid will have to be subpoenaed again if necessary. But other people could also be asked about this ‘new fact’. This cannot be processed in “three to four weeks”. An extension would therefore be necessary, the preliminary relief judge argued.
Now also NEOS for extension
Thursday, after the interrogation of the ex-ÖBAG boss, the NEOS were also open to a one-day extension of the interrogation to be able to charge Schmid again. The other groups welcomed this, although they would of course prefer a three-month extension.
Source: Krone
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