Seven defendants are abusing a teacher - and none of them confess in court!
A shocking case has caused an uproar in Vienna after seven teenagers appeared before the regional court in Vienna on charges of committing a series of violent crimes against a 28-year-old teacher. According to investigations, the assaults took place between July 2024 and January 2025, and they have attracted national attention due to their brutality and the young age of the defendants, who are locally known as the 'Leizinger Gang.'
The court imposed strict security measures, with more than ten police officers present to secure the session. According to the public prosecution, the teacher was subjected to a series of assaults, extortion, and repeated intimidation by the group. The three main defendants – a 15-year-old Iraqi boy, a 17-year-old Romanian, and a 15-year-old Afghan – denied all the main charges, including assault, violation, and extortion, and showed no remorse.
This case comes after a previous trial that ended with the acquittal of ten teenagers accused of similar crimes against a young girl. In the current case, seven defendants face charges related to serious violations of the teacher's safety and privacy. The court has banned photography and video recording inside the courtroom to protect the parties involved.
Investigators reported that in January 2025, some defendants broke into the teacher's apartment while she was traveling abroad, stealing jewelry, watches, and other valuable items before a fire broke out in the apartment. The defendants admitted to the theft but denied intentionally starting the fire. The public prosecution included the charge of arson in the list of accusations.
According to a psychological report submitted to the court, the teacher suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and severe depression due to repeated assaults. Her legal representative requested closed sessions to protect her privacy. Investigations indicate that the events began when one of the defendants, a former student of the teacher, revealed details about a previous relationship he had with her, prompting his friends to exploit that information and abuse her for several months.
This case has sparked a wide discussion in Austria about youth violence and their legal responsibility, as well as how the judicial system deals with serious crimes committed by minors. As the trial continues, many in Vienna are calling for justice and enhanced protection for the victims of these crimes.