Pensioner Compared Vorarlberg Politician to "Prostitute": Fine

The insulted politician, SPÖ state party chairman Mario Leiter, had filed a private lawsuit, reported Vorarlberg daily newspapers. The previously unblemished pensioner was sentenced to a fine of 7,200 euros for defamation, 1,800 of which are unconditional. The verdict is not final.

On February 17, before the Vorarlberg municipal elections, the defendant commented on an article on a news platform about the then Bludenz mayoral candidate Leiter, stating that he behaved "like a prostitute" and would do anything for money. According to the court, this insulted the politician's honor, and the contemptuous comment constituted a (potential) damage to reputation.

Pensioner Pleaded Guilty

The pensioner pleaded guilty. The comment happened during a written discussion with another user, and he is otherwise a rather prudent person, he said. The confession and the defendant's unblemished record were considered mitigating factors. He also offered to donate 1,000 euros to the children's village as compensation, but the private plaintiff did not agree. It's not just about him, it's about protecting democratic debate, Leiter said in a statement to the newspapers: "Politicians don't have to put up with everything." The judge and even the defendant's representative agreed with this view.

The defendant's lawyer accepted the verdict, while the private plaintiff's representative took three days to consider. Thus, the verdict is not final. The possible maximum penalty could have been up to one year in prison.

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.