An Afghan man stood before a jury in Graz for drug trafficking and illegal handling of drugs. In just three months, the 38-year-old, who has multiple convictions, is said to have sold three kilos of heroin and crystal meth: “What I saw in my home country changed me.”
“They are known as the most addictive drugs, and that should not be ignored,” the prosecutor emphasizes about the recognized responsibility of the suspect. “A confession couldn’t be more contrite,” defense attorney Michael Reichen Vater responded.
“Don’t deserve a gold shirt”
The Afghan had handed over 390 grams to an undercover investigator and was arrested. “My client then admitted that he had traded three kilos. He could have remained silent. And he certainly did not earn a golden shirt, but financed his addiction and his livelihood. Only the Serbian moneylenders in Vienna deserved it.”
“Why are you in court for the fourth time today?” Judge Andreas Rom wants to know from the defendant. Serious theft, coercion, property damage and drug trafficking are on his agenda so far. “It all has to do with my drug addiction,” the 38-year-old explains. In 2005 he came to Austria from Iran with his wife. The two have now divorced and he has not seen his nine-year-old daughter for years.
Prison job placement
He was already addicted at the age of eleven. “I saw things in my home country that changed me.” He was aggressive and depressed. The medicine calmed him down. He was not released until September 2023.
“In prison I met an old Serb who left me a number in case I was interested in drug deals.” Rome: “So a job in prison?” – “Yes, exactly.” partly responsible if someone dies from heroin?” the judge emphasizes. “And you clearly didn’t care.”
Quickly surprised by 50,000 euros
In the three months prior to his arrest, he earned almost 50,000 euros from drug trafficking. “But I have almost nothing left.” When asked whether he still owes the Serbian lenders money, the defendant nods and looks down. Apparently 9000 euros. So there were no requirements yet. “This is to be feared at the latest during the execution,” the lawyer estimates.
“I am gifted”
“If I had a perspective, I would take it. “I am very talented,” says the Afghan. He is a tailor, bag maker, bricklayer and iron bender. Due to his asylum status, he would never have had the opportunity to work.
However, at the end the public prosecutor emphasizes once again that the general public must be protected, especially when it comes to heroin. “Just one gram can cause someone to have an accident.” Due to his previous convictions – mainly in the field of drugs – his sentence will be increased, meaning the possible sentence could increase to twenty years.
‘Lock up doesn’t help’
“Give me a chance to change my life,” the Afghan asked the chairman and the lay judges. “Lock up doesn’t help, it just makes everything worse.” The jury’s verdict: nine years in prison. The lawyer immediately filed an annulment and appealed. The judgment is not 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.
