Prison on probation

Hitler salute brought pensioner to court

The defendant can no longer remember the incidents on the boozy evening.(Bild: Chantall Dorn)

A 44-year-old pensioner stood before the judge in Feldkirch on a charge of reoffending.

With nine previous convictions, the 44-year-old is no stranger to the court. However, the majority of the offenses were committed many years ago. None of them have anything to do with the current charge. However, it is a serious one - National Socialist reactivation.

"This is how you greet each other here"
It's about an opening party at the Schuttannen ski lodge last year. There, the man is said to have looked quite deeply into his beer glass and shouted "Heil und Sieg". He is said to have indicated a moustache with two fingers and said that "all Jews should be destroyed". He is also said to have performed the Hitler salute and told a boy that this is how people greet each other here. An offense for which the law provides for up to five years in prison.

The accused has no memory
Before the jury, the defendant does not know whether he should plead guilty or not guilty to the charges. Because he has no memory. The reason: an accident three years ago in which the man suffered severe head injuries and half-sided paralysis.

Defense lawyer Clemens Achammer explains: "My client was in a management position for 15 years, an active person. Since the accident, he can no longer tolerate even the smallest amounts of alcohol." His client had absolutely nothing to do with National Socialism. In the end, the senate disagreed. The non-final sentence: six months' suspended imprisonment.