In the second trial related to the Halloween riots in Linz, a 19-year-old was on trial on Monday for crimes of serious municipal violence and serious bodily harm. Prosecutors accused him of playing a leading role in the riots. He allegedly distributed stones to others and asked them to throw them at police officers. He too may have thrown. The Spaniard pleaded only partially guilty. However, the court has issued a guilty verdict, which is already final.
“Ms. Judge, it really wasn’t right for me to participate, that wasn’t right,” said the suspect. The past few weeks in custody would have changed his mind. He apologized for throwing chicken-egg-sized rocks as well as “three to five firecrackers” at police officers. “I’m sorry,” he protested.
According to the lawyer only followers
The defense attorney said his client did not play a leading role in the riots, as stated in the indictment. He is a “classic follower”. Coincidentally, he stumbled upon the riots in the city center. Then he also received fireworks from other participants.
160 illegal fireworks in the house
The prosecutor saw it differently. A house search after Halloween found 160 category 3 and 4 fireworks in the apartment. In addition, on Halloween night he handed out rocks that he had put in his trouser pockets. “Thank God no one was hurt in the riots,” she noted.
Denies transfer
Admittedly, he collected a handful of rocks and “shot a few too,” he admitted. He put the rest in his back pocket. “That was not good of me,” said the 19-year-old before the lay judge. He denied giving stones to other youths in the center of Linz and encouraged them to throw them at police officers. “Mrs. Judge, I didn’t tell anyone to throw stones at the police officers, and I didn’t give them to anyone.” The judge wanted to know why witnesses said that. “I don’t know why they lie,” was his reply.
At least seven months
The judge ruled. The suspect, who had already been sentenced to three months in prison for property crimes in August 2022, received 21 months in prison (seven of which were unconditional). The verdict is already final.
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.
