A 33-year-old was charged in Graz as a suspected terrorist. He allegedly extorted a ransom and then shot the victim. The trial against him began on Monday, he says: “It wasn’t me!”
Why are we dealing with a murder in Graz that took place in Baghdad in 2015? “Because the accused in Iraq face death by hanging. Austria does not extradite, but we must carry out the procedure,” the prosecutor explains in his usual confident plea. He describes in detail to the jury the rise of terrorist militias whose aim is to establish a theocracy that ignores all human rights.
“Bloody War”
The organization Badr, to which the suspect allegedly belonged, was of great importance. “They waged a bloodthirsty war against the Sunnis, the largest religious group in Islam.” The terrorist militia was financed by kidnappings. One of their victims: a police officer. The 33-year-old is said to have kidnapped him with accomplices. He was tortured – his toenails and fingernails were ripped off – and shot three times in the back of the head. The terrorists extorted $45,000 for this.
The judge shows a photo of the murdered officer. “I am a victim of Iraq,” the suspect shouts. He was kidnapped and tortured himself. “It happens to almost everyone in Iraq,” he says. “And why does the 92.5 percent visual field recognition say you’re the one with the gun?” the judge shows photos of a man in combat gear with a machine gun in Iraq. “He looks like me, but I’m not.”
“This is my brother”
Coincidentally, he fled to Austria almost at the same time as wanted. “My mom told me to go because I had a future.” At least he wasn’t the one accused. “This is my brother. I used his name when I entered the country.” A smuggler advised him to use the wrong name “And I only knew that.”
Defense attorney Michael-Thomas Reichenvater emphasizes: “My client is not an extremist!” A ruling should not be made until March.
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.
