A German living in Salzburg wanted to sell a 40-year-old harpsichord, a keyboard instrument similar to a piano, to his mother via the Internet. And so apparently ended up in crime. The public prosecutor has charged him under the Wildlife Trade Act (ArtHG). The problem is the wood.
A German (45) who lives and works in Salzburg was cleaning out his parents’ house in Lower Saxony in the summer and found his mother’s 40-year-old harpsichord – a musical instrument that resembles a piano. Since it was no longer needed, the man wanted to sell it and advertised it on the online platforms Ebay and Willhaben. For 4000 euros. But it was not buyers who came forward, but German researchers.
Veneer made from forbidden tropical wood
What the seller himself apparently did not know: The veneer of the instrument is made of a protected tropical wood called “Rio Palisander” or Brazilian rosewood. And trading with it is prohibited under the ArtHG.
He promptly received a criminal complaint from the Public Prosecution Service: by offering the “Cembalo Couperin made of Rio Palisander” for sale, he is said to have violated Article 7 of the ArtHG. “This is completely incomprehensible,” says lawyer Kurt Jelinek, asking: “Should we now seek expert advice for every instrument offered for sale?” A stamp on the instrument even indicates that it was made in Germany – even before it was banned.
The 45-year-old declined an offer of diversion because he was unaware of any guilt. Ergo, the case will be heard at the regional court. Penalty: maximum two years in prison or a fine.
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.
