2023-10-23 03:33:22
The trial once morest Sebastian Kurz (ÖVP) and initially two co-accused for making false statements before the Ibiza investigative committee will reach the third day of proceedings next week. The former head of cabinet of the former Chancellor, Bernhard Bonelli, is scheduled to speak on Monday. Like Kurz, he is accused by the Economic and Corruption Public Prosecutor’s Office (WKStA) of having made false statements in connection with the appointment of the ÖBAG leadership.
According to the criminal complaint, Bonelli stated that he was informed regarding the composition of the ÖBAG supervisory board, although he was actually directly involved in the process. He is also said to have suggested a possible candidate to Kurz and coordinated all subsequent supervisory boards with him. Bonelli’s statement that the appointment was a decision of the finance minister is therefore incorrect, says the WKStA.
According to the WKStA’s criminal complaint, Bonelli is also said to have made false statements when he stated that he might not remember exactly whether there had been agreements between the government parties regarding the appointment of a sole board member. He also stated that he did not know who selected the cabinet members in the Ministry of Finance. However, according to allegations, he organized the process.
On Friday, Bonelli’s ex-boss Kurz was questioned in court. He is also accused of telling untruths in the U-Committee in connection with the appointment of the ÖBAG leadership – in particular regarding the appointment of Thomas Schmid to the board. Kurz was particularly eloquent in speaking out once morest Schmid himself, who is seeking star witness status in another case.
A decision in the “short process” has already been made, even if it is not yet legally binding: former casino boss Bettina Glatz-Kremsner, who was also accused of making false statements on another matter, took up the offer of diversion. No witnesses have been called yet – further hearings are required from November onwards to question them. The WKStA and the defense would like Thomas Schmid to be the first witness.
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