The trial of the alleged financier of the Ibiza video, lawyer Ramin M., ended Thursday in Vienna with the offer of a diversion. The public prosecutor, who accused him, among other things, of misuse of sound recording or listening equipment, initially gave no explanation. Ibiza’s lawyer accepted the fine of 15,000 euros and “voluntarily” (as part of the diversion) made 500 euros in damages to ex-FPÖ boss Heinz-Christian Strache.
Because former FPÖ club president Johann Gudenus has meanwhile filed civil proceedings against M., the judge has refrained from paying a symbolic amount of 500 euros for Gudenus. The 15,000 euros includes the legal costs. The Viennese lawyer must pay before August 1.
His attorney, Richard Soyer, stressed at the outset that his client was still willing to “take responsibility.” The facts of the case are not in doubt. Its justification, according to which it was a civil society project, was “clear”. The fact that he tried to raise money for this only served to “protect those involved”.
Arguments Against Serious Guilt
His client never intruded into the public eye and presented himself as a hero. Soyer also pointed out that the incidents were more than four years ago and that the process has already lasted three years. All in all, according to Soyer, the circumstances met the requirement that there was no serious culpability and therefore the requirements for a diversion. In addition, the “significant professional and non-professional disadvantages” suffered by his client must also be taken into account.
M. himself emphasized at the hearing on Thursday that he took his responsibility from the start and would stick to his justification. Of course, the legal assessment is different, he admitted. When the prosecutor repeatedly asked if he felt he had done something wrong, he finally confirmed that an injustice had been done. And he hopes that he will no longer be in a position where such a thing is necessary.
The Viennese lawyer had already admitted his involvement shortly after the Ibiza video appeared more than three years ago. “It was a civil society-motivated project that followed investigative journalism paths,” it said at the time. He was also charged with fraud. M. had introduced the alleged oligarch niece known from the video to ex-FPÖ club boss Gudenus. She had indicated that she wanted to buy a house from Gudenus. These proceedings have been discontinued by the public prosecutor, as have investigations into forgery.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
