From the provincial councilor of Upper Austria – ex-local chief and rapist received a certificate of honor

After VP ex-mayor Jürgen Höckner’s nullity complaint was dismissed by the Supreme Court, the October 2021 verdict for triple rape, multiple assault and defamation is now final. On November 21, the Higher Regional Court of Linz will decide on the sentence. Even before the mayoral elections in 2021, the then ÖVP mayor Höckner was sentenced to several years in prison – not yet legally binding at the time. Nevertheless, Höckner ran again for mayoral elections.

“Absolutely unacceptable”
As if that were not enough, according to the SPÖ, he did not receive a certificate of honor from the state government under ÖVP State Councilor Michaela Langer-Weninger until October 2022, according to the SPÖ. State Woman President and Member of Parliament Renate Heitz is shocked: “It was a shame that someone on trial for such serious charges has run away again, and it is absolutely unacceptable that to this day the ÖVP has not only ignored the criminal proceedings, but also did not take any action. distance from the now legally convicted man and his crime.”

Solidarity meeting planned
Instead of believing the victim, the slander against the woman continues. A solidarity meeting for the convicted rapist is organized locally. “It takes efforts from all parties to reduce violence against women,” Heitz said. SPÖ women’s chairman and MP Eva-Maria Holzleitner says clearly: “It is a slap in the face for the victim or for all victims of rape if a perpetrator does not see the extent to which he has massively destroyed a woman’s life.”

Clear Distance Required
She also says, “This shows the atrocities and resentment women still face when they claim their rights.” The SPÖ members demand that Christine Haberlander, the state councilor for women, clearly distance herself from the crime and the perpetrator, as well as solidarity with the victims!