Around the turn of the year, environmental extremists let the air out of the tires of several dozen vehicles in Vienna’s 9th and 19th districts. The sabotage almost resulted in a serious accident. From the side of the criminal justice system, the perpetrators were still able to get away with it.
There was a lot of excitement at the end of December, beginning of January. Car tires were pumped empty on a large scale in Döbling and Alsergrund. Especially in spacious SUVs. A driver who slid onto the sidewalk due to low tire pressure almost ran over a passerby. The pedestrian was pushed against a wall. Fortunately, he was unharmed.
“The Tire Extinguishers”
The police investigated two perpetrators: a woman and a Romanian who does not live in Austria. Climate extremists, not of the last generation but of The Tire Extinguishers. A radical group. They had pasted flyers with the logo on the windows (“Your fuel guzzler is deadly”) and confirmed the acts of sabotage during interrogation.
Only: although the tire manipulation is clearly material damage, the perpetrators should probably go unpunished. “The Office for the Protection of the Constitution, which is responsible for the file, has informed us that the vent apparently is no longer being prosecuted,” said Viennese lawyer Jakob Weinrich, who represents one of the nearly 40 people affected.
Prosecutor: ‘Investigation not yet completed’
There was no major damage. According to Weinrich, the public prosecutor’s office is also likely to drop the case. Authority spokeswoman Nina Bussek does not want to confirm this to the “Krone”: “The investigations have not yet been completed.”
Anyone who suffers damage (to the car, missed appointments, etc.) can also take civil action. Lawyer Weinrich advises to record everything exactly (photos, videos). Difficulty in this case: Because the Bureau for the Protection of the Constitution has misappropriated the files, it is difficult for the victims and their legal representatives to establish the identity of the perpetrators.
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.
