First procedure – Causa Ischgl 2020: time is running out

There was a system of information policy from hoteliers, the tourism association and also the authorities, who concealed the fact that the coronavirus had long arrived in Ischgl – harsh words from lawyer Alexander Klauser, who represents an affected holidaymaker from Germany before the consumer protection association VSV. In the first open proceedings before the Vienna Regional Civil Court, which now has to question witnesses after a decision of the higher regional court.

March 2023 allegations are barred
Understandably, Martin Paar of the Finanzprokuratur, as a state representative, finds it difficult to even consider Judge Stefan Riegler’s settlement proposal. Because he probably wants to bet on time: by early March next year, all charges would be time-barred and no one would be responsible for any damages! But now, in addition to the republic, the state of Tyrol is also being charged.

Hotelier doesn’t want to know anything
On the other hand, the director of a hotel in Ischgl, which also owns other restaurants, was not deterred by the legal ingenuity. Her statement can be summarized as “My name is Hase, I don’t know anything” – although her brother is a member of the tourism association of the Tyrolean municipality! “At no time” she would have been given information, “it was not a relevant topic for us!” Although Corona had already claimed victims in nearby Italy, the judge dug deeper. “They said it was fake news,” was the succinct reply.

The judge’s decision is in writing – one can assume that the Supreme Court and the European Court of Justice will have to deal with the Ischgl case.