A big bang in the case of the late ex-section chief Christian Pilnacek! An investigative commission set up by the Ministry of Justice confirmed political interventions during Pilnacek’s term of office, thus supporting the allegations of the top official.
The bone of contention was tape recordings in which Pilnacek reported on attempts by the ÖVP to influence the investigation during a meeting with acquaintances in a café. The People’s Party naturally denied this, but the commission led by top lawyer Martin Kreutner is now substantiating the accusations.
“Findings that are correct in every respect”
Kreutner said on Monday at the presentation of the research report that the findings were “positive” because they were correct on all points mentioned.
The original report is 230 pages long and the investigation period ran from January 1, 2010 to December 14, 2023. The commission, which was established in December last year, conducted its investigation for six months. The report was sent to the Ministry of Justice on Sunday. However, it will not be published in full immediately, but “soon.” As the media owner, the ministry asked for clarification on the publication under the Media Act for a few more days, Kreutner said.
Pilnacek’s laptop is part of the investigation
An important part of the committee’s investigation was Pilnacek’s laptop. Apparently, it also contained files from the time after his suspension. It is also said that there are many secret files on the laptop. Internal communications of the Public Prosecutor’s Office for Economic Affairs and Corruption (WKStA) and correspondence with people close to the ÖVP are also recorded.
Given the results, the ministry is trying a bit of diplomacy. “The Kreutner Commission confirms that there was an impact on legal processes,” Justice Minister Alma Zadic (Greens) responded in a statement. “While the Commission believes that much has improved during my term, much remains to be done to strengthen the resilience and independence of the judiciary,” she concluded.
No one knows how future justice ministers will act. “That is why the next step must be an attorney general’s office that is truly independent of politics.”
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.
