To the outside world he seemed invulnerable, and to some people even arrogant. This may also be why the tragic death of Christian Pilnacek, once Austria’s most dazzling judicial officer, is now shaking the political scene.
Because only a few knew how deeply hurt Pilnacek, who for years was considered the secret minister of justice, actually was. He was a man of power who certainly made mistakes. But do his shortcomings justify the fact that some of his legendary chat passages were repeatedly dug up by his opponents so that they could be burned into the collective memory?
Kurz sharply criticizes the judiciary
Former Chancellor Sebastian Kurz in particular is heavily critical of the public humiliation that Pilnacek has experienced since his suspension in early 2021. In a message on
The deceased himself never used these methods, Kurz writes: “On the contrary, he strongly rejected it.” The lawyer has never participated in manhunts, but has always insisted on objectivity.
Due to speculation: body is being autopsied
The last hours of Pilnacek’s life will probably never be fully explained. An autopsy is now being conducted on his body. As a result of the wrong-way drive on the Danube River Motorway, Pilnacek would have been criminally prosecuted for negligently endangering the public. The former section chief would have faced a year in prison.
His existence was already destroyed by the war with Justice Minister Alma Zadic and the WKStA. He may no longer be able to withstand the pressure of renewed public shame.
“Act of panic by an exhausted person”
For the famous psychiatrist Reinhard Haller, drama is ‘the classic process of driving someone to death’. It was the “act of panic of an exhausted person.” The tragedy is “the expression of the shame culture that prevails in Austria. “That leads to these catastrophes,” criticizes the expert.
Haller therefore calls on all involved to create a “more objective and appreciative climate” so that people are not deprived of the last shame. For Pilnacek, or ‘Pil’ as he was called, the appeal comes too late.
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Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
