Fire in Stern Bar

Police obstructed: Judge offers diversion

The tragic fire occurred in this bar in Graz(Bild: Sepp Pail)

On the fringes of the tragic fire on New Year's Eve in the Sternbar in Graz, which claimed one life, there was a dispute between a 34-year-old man and the police. The man ended up in court for this on Friday. The judge spoke of an "exceptional situation" and offered him diversion.

"He can't understand why he of all people, who behaved perfectly, is sitting here," said Gunther Ledolter, the defense lawyer for the 34-year-old man who had to answer for resisting public authority in the provincial criminal court on Friday. His client had been partying with friends in the pub when the fire suddenly broke out. He not only helped his partner to get back on her feet, but also several other people "and probably saved their lives", the lawyer explained.

Punched the policeman with his fist
Outside, the 34-year-old then tried to kick in a door so that people could escape from the burning restaurant. "Then he lost his memory, suddenly he was lying on the ground," described the defense lawyer. According to the police officers, he acted aggressively and finally grabbed one of the officers by the arms, whereupon the officer punched him.

The man from Graz did not feel guilty. "I believe that an exceptional situation prevailed," the judge credited him. So, as an exception, he offered him a diversion. A fine of 5,400 euros must be paid, and then the case is closed - provided the public prosecutor's office has no objections. The accused thanked him and accepted.