The Supreme Court of Appeal acquits the former Austrian Chancellor
In a judicial surprise, the High Court of Appeal in Vienna announced the acquittal of former Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz from the charge of perjury before the parliamentary inquiry committee known as "Ibiza." After deliberations lasting 40 minutes, the court decided that Kurz had adequately answered the questions posed to him and had not made false statements, attributing the accusation to the committee's dissatisfaction with his answers rather than to clear lying.
In contrast, the court upheld the ruling against former chief of staff Bernhard Bonelli, who was sentenced to six months in prison with a suspended sentence. The court found Bonelli's claims that he forgot some details or was in a difficult position during his testimony unconvincing.
During the session, Kurz expressed his satisfaction with the opportunity to speak, affirming that he did not provide any false information, and acknowledged that he was not adequately prepared when he appeared before the committee. He added: "I should have been more prepared, but I never lied."
At the end of the session, Kurz expressed his deep regret for the conviction of his friend and former colleague Bonelli, noting his desire to return to his family as a "innocent man" and "father of two young children."
The court's decision is considered final, thus ending a long chapter of political and judicial controversy that has haunted Kurz since his departure from power.