It was police brutality – now a judge in the administrative court in Vienna decides. An officer broke an activist’s rib after an eviction from the Lobau camp. And that’s only because the 49-year-old didn’t want to be photographed. Now the Vienna State Police Headquarters has to pay!
For months, hundreds of activists protested the controversial construction of the Lobau tunnel, even building entire camps on the site, making headlines time and time again. One of them was the 49-year-old Viennese – when the protest camp in Lobau was evacuated, he was arrested by officials.
Activists oppose photo
In the detention center of the Rossauer Lände police they then wanted to take a picture of him. The data of the Viennese must be routinely recorded. But he was vehemently against it. That was completely normal among the demonstrators at the time. He would have “locked” himself on the floor with his hands in front of his face. Officials tried to get the activist to his feet.
According to the administrative judge, it is about police brutality
And that – according to the administrative judge – “with disproportionate physical strength”. An officer broke the activist’s rib. “He jumped in my back,” the 49-year-old said in court. Only because he didn’t want to be photographed in protest. Despite the injury, they kept the 49-year-old in the police detention center – without medical attention.
In court, the opposing party suspected an old offense. But this could neither be confirmed in the hospital nor by an expert. The judge also doubts whether both the hospital and a court expert would classify an old injury as a fresh broken rib.
Three cops in sight, no one claims…
The Vienna State Police Directorate must now pay the “LobauBleibt” activist 2,397 euros for expenses. Three officers were investigated after the incident. It was not possible to clarify who really injured the 49-year-old. None of the police officers saw anything violent or participated in it themselves.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
