“I don’t know,” said a young witness on Wednesday morning during a trial to the regional court of Steyr in Upper Austria to almost every question from the judge. Finally, the senior public prosecutor was enough: she announced the start of an investigation because of incorrect evidence against the man with the “gaps in the memory”.
“The intentional concealment is also a fact,” says Andreas Pechatschek, first public prosecutor in Steyr. As a witness, everyone in court must testify, but there are exceptions. So nobody has to testify against a family member in the neighborhood or burden himself. Certain professional groups such as psychiatrists or street workers are also excluded.
Wrong declarations of evidence are punishable
“Witnesses must be true and completely witnesses,” says Pechatschek. False declarations of evidence are punishable after three years. If you are under the oath, the sentence increases for up to five years.
Despite the criminal threats, 430 investigations were started in Upper Austria last year because of the relevant paragraph 288 and 190 convictions. In 2023 there were still 409 investigations, but “only” 151 convictions.
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.
