The Public Prosecutor’s Office (StA) Innsbruck has completed the investigation against former Minister of Justice Wolfgang Brandstetter (ÖVP). A project report has been sent to the Public Prosecution Service, a StA spokesperson confirms. Brandstetter was targeted by the judiciary due to explosive chats and was investigated on suspicion of abuse of office.
Brandstetter was investigated on suspicion of breach of official secrecy because he allegedly incited the now deceased section chief Christian Pilnacek to reveal a search of the home of entrepreneur Michael Tojner. Brandstetter worked as Tojner’s lawyer at the time.
False statement in the University Committee?
Another allegation of abuse of office concerned a position held during Brandstetter’s term as Minister of Justice. Moreover, when questioned about these topics, Brandstetter is said to have testified incorrectly in the ÖVP investigative committee. The ex-minister denied these allegations at the time and later rejected them.
The case caused a stir as prosecutors even asked the Constitutional Court (VfGH) for administrative assistance in early 2021 to secure Brandstetter’s electronic devices. Brandstetter was a constitutional judge at the time, but gave up this position after conversations with Pilnacek became known in which they discussed decisions of the Supreme Court and Pilnacek made derogatory statements towards members of the Constitutional Court.
The project report is now being processed by the Ministry of Justice or the Designation Council. What the report says, namely whether or not charges should be filed, was not disclosed, as is usual in such cases. The file is then sent back to Innsbruck.
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.
