The Viennese ÖVP federal councilor and ex-Alcatel board member Harald Himmer must answer for infidelity before a jury panel of the Vienna regional court from Monday. The former “bonze tormentor” – Himmer campaigned for votes in the 1990 National Council election with the slogan “Torch bigwigs, vote for Himmer” – allegedly abused his powers as manager of Alcatel-Lucent Austria AG and caused significant damage to the company’s assets.
Also accused are ex-lobbyist Peter Hochegger and former board member of Telekom Austria Rudolf Fischer. According to the Vienna public prosecutor’s office, von Himmer – for him and the other two defendants – presumed innocence – suggested that Hochegger’s company Valora AG could issue “false invoices” for allegedly rendered services, which were taken from the existing budget for training, seminars and studies new product developments would be paid for.
Himmer is accused of infidelity, Hochegger and the ex-Telekom manager of complicity in infidelity. While Hochegger confesses, Himmer and the ex-Telekom manager deny the allegations.
The procedure is a sideline of the Telekom and blue light radio affair that came to light in 2010. For now, five days of trial are scheduled until December 1, and if the verdict is found guilty, the accused faces a prison sentence of up to three years.
Source: Krone
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