The trial of three suspects in the Leonie case started on Tuesday morning. They allegedly drugged the 13-year-old in Vienna, raped her and then leaned her dead against a tree.
Even before the trial started, the lawyers for the three Afghans made statements about their clients: Attorney Thomas Nirk was surprised that his client would plead guilty. According to their lawyers, Andreas Schweitzer and Wolfgang Haas, the other two are holding on to their previous responsibility and claim their innocence.
The representatives of the next of kin, Johannes Öhlböck and Florian Höllwarth, also have their say. They still want the charge changed to murder: “The range of sentences will not change. But that would have great symbolic significance.”
Delayed start
The trial in the Vienna court for the 13-year-old’s death started more than half an hour late. One of the judges got the date mixed up. She had to be summoned by phone.
It starts with the lawyer’s pleas. It is not yet clear whether the representatives of the private parties will also have their say at this point. Afghans’ lawyers are likely to speak out against this. Experts and witnesses have been called for the coming days.
No exclusion from the public for the time being
Before a plea is made, the representatives of the private parties request ex officio the exclusion of the public: “Due to the proceedings and the disclosure of the suspect expected in the trial, witnesses and through the video about the inside of the people who are affected, i.e. the parents and sister, it is not reasonable for these victims for details beyond the charges to become public after this day.” The lawyers for the third suspect agree with this motion, alleging a love affair with Leonie.
After a short deliberation, the request for exclusion from the public is rejected by the High Court. The hearing will be held in public for the time being.
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.
