The second round of the trial surrounding the attack in Vienna on November 2, 2020, in which four people died and dozens were injured, begins on Tuesday. Three terrorist aid workers must now be tried again. But the fact that they have to spend years in prison will not change.
After the Supreme Court partially annulled the sentences against three terrorist assistants of the Viennese attacker at the end of last year due to procedural errors, a new hearing will take place on Tuesday. The highest level of security applies again in the grand jury room of the Vienna Regional Court.
Involvement in the quadruple murder has been established
But this is no longer the central point of the accusation. It is already clear that the men were involved in the attack in central Vienna – which left four people dead. The convictions of February 2, 2023 for committing terrorist offenses in connection with involvement in murder are legally binding.
What is certainly at issue in the new interpretation: the question of whether the men between the ages of 23 and 29 are or were members of a terrorist group or a criminal organization. Because on this point there were imperfections in the verdict in the first case and misleading legal advice to the jury.
Lawyer Elmar Kresbach defends the 29-year-old who helped with the final preparations on the day of the crime – including loading the weapons: ‘It must be determined whether my client has Islamic feelings. In that sense, the evidence was not clear in the first round either.” The file does not support a conviction of his client for terrorist organization and criminal organization.
Long prison sentences are likely to continue
Regardless of how the new terror trial ends, there will probably not be much change in the long prison sentences of the suspects. The third suspect was sentenced to 20 years in prison at the time, the sixth to 19 years under juvenile criminal law. The fourth defendant was even given a life sentence. “The point is that my client will receive a temporary prison sentence. “That is important for his future life,” says defender Kresbach, who sees the prospects realistically.
The highest security measures in the Wiener Landl
The week before, court spokeswoman Christina Salzborn informed about the increased security measures and ban on photos and videos in the grand jury courtroom.
In contrast to the new trial against the then first and second suspects: in the case of the two men, the terrorist group or criminal organization also had to be tried again. They were acquitted of involvement in the murder in February last year. Their part sentences changed only slightly.
The verdicts against the three terrorist aides are scheduled for Thursday.
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.
