A suspect has denied allegations in the Hipp baby-food poisoning case and August Wöginger has resigned as ÖVP parliamentary group leader after a non-final conviction, plus more stories from Austria on Tuesday.
Suspect denies allegations in Hipp baby-food poisoning case
A 39-year-old man arrested in connection with rat poison found in Hipp baby-food jars denies the allegations against him, according to Der Standard. He was transferred from Salzburg to Eisenstadt prison on Sunday. A decision on pre-trial detention, known in German as U-Haft, is expected on Tuesday morning.
Five manipulated jars of Hipp “Karotten mit Kartoffeln” baby food have been secured before consumption in Austria, Czechia and Slovakia. Police are still searching for one further suspected manipulated jar believed to have been sold at a Spar branch in Eisenstadt. One jar was found to contain 15 micrograms of rat poison, and a further expert report is expected to assess what effect consumption could have had on a baby.
Investigators are looking into suspected intentional grievous bodily harm and public danger, and prosecutors are examining whether to widen the investigation to attempted aggravated extortion.
READ ALSO: Austria arrests suspect in baby-food poisoning case
August Wöginger resigns as ÖVP parliamentary leader after conviction
ÖVP politician August Wöginger resigned as parliamentary group leader after Linz Regional Court found him guilty of incitement to abuse of office, according to Die Presse. The National Council MP was given a seven-month suspended prison sentence and was ordered to pay a €43,200 Geldstrafe.
Two co-defendant tax officials were also convicted of abuse of office and perjury. Both received seven-month suspended prison sentences, plus fines of €33,840 and €22,680. The case concerned the appointment of an ÖVP mayor to a senior post at the Braunau tax office in 2017.
Wöginger’s lawyer immediately filed a nullity complaint and appeal, so the verdict is not final. The presumption of innocence applies until a final ruling.
READ ALSO: How Austria has tightened laws to prevent political corruption
Gas leak caused major disruption in Vienna
A gas leak at Matzleinsdorfer Platz caused major traffic disruption in Vienna on Monday afternoon, according to ORF. The Gürtel was temporarily closed in both directions between Matzleinsdorfer Platz and Südtiroler Platz. Individual lanes later reopened, but significant congestion continued.
A construction company damaged a main gas pipe during works, but Wiener Netze worked to repair the damage, and the leak was provisionally sealed later in the afternoon. Electricity was switched off for safety reasons, affecting households in parts of Wieden, Margareten and Favoriten.
The incident also affected public transport. Tram lines 1, 6, 18 and 62 were shortened or diverted, while the Badner Bahn was only running between Baden and Aßmayergasse. Passengers were advised to use alternatives such as the Schnellbahn and U6.
READ ALSO: Who to call and what to say in an emergency in Austria
Wiener Neustadt man suspected of more than €100,000 in benefit fraud
Police in Wiener Neustadt have uncovered a suspected case of serious welfare fraud involving more than €100,000, according to Kurier. A 50-year-old man from Wiener Neustadt is suspected of having unlawfully received social benefits since April 2018.
He is accused of concealing assets in regular benefit applications and exceeding the permitted asset exemption threshold. The investigation required cooperation between several police and financial authorities in Austria and abroad.
Investigators found that the man, who is considered unable to work, had taken numerous trips abroad during the period in question. He refused to make a statement when questioned and has been reported to the Wiener Neustadt public prosecutor’s office.
READ ALSO: How Austria is looking for social security fraudsters at Vienna’s International Airport
What’s happening in Austria today
Austria marks its national day of remembrance against violence and racism in memory of the victims of National Socialism. Parliament is holding an 11 am ceremony focused on Austria’s Gedenkdienst, and the building is closed to visitors from 8 am to 2 pm. ORF 2 is broadcasting the ceremony live.
READ ALSO: Austria to erect memorial to Roma victims of the Nazis
The weather is unsettled, with showers and short thunderstorms possible. Highs are forecast at around 17C to 27C. Mountain conditions are changeable, and high wildfire danger is flagged in the east.
Rail passengers should check before travelling. ÖBB works continue on the Südstrecke, Ostbahn and Franz-Josefs-Bahn, and replacement buses are running today on the Wels to Grünau im Almtal route. On the A13 Brenner motorway, works on the Luegbrücke mean one lane per direction during the day.
Vienna’s Eurovision side programme is underway, although the main Eurovision Village at Rathausplatz opens on May 10th. The Klima Biennale Wien also continues, and a free water-themed exhibition opens at the Wasserturm Favoriten at 6:30 pm.
Vocabulary
die U-Haft – pre-trial detention
die Geldstrafe – criminal fine
der Gürtel – Vienna’s major inner ring road
der Gedenkdienst – remembrance service
die Zentralmatura – Austria’s centralised school-leaving exam
If you have any questions about life in Austria, ideas for articles, or news tips for The Local, you can contact us at news@thelocal.at or leave a comment below.