Attack on Muslim Woman in Upper Austria: Defendant Did Not Appear in Court

The trial against a 66-year-old man, who allegedly verbally and physically attacked a Muslim woman because of her faith at a market in Schärding, was initially postponed on Wednesday at the Regional Court in Ried. The defendant did not appear, as he suspected an "Islamic show trial," as he informed the court.

Charged with Incitement, Coercion, and Bodily Harm

The indictment charges the 66-year-old with incitement, coercion, and bodily harm, for which he faces up to two years in prison. On April 17, he allegedly loudly insulted a woman wearing a headscarf at the weekly market in Schärding and specifically insulted and belittled her because of her affiliation with Islam. He is then said to have violently grabbed her to force a piece of sausage into her mouth. "I eat pork, now you must eat pork too," he allegedly shouted. He then reportedly grabbed the woman by the wrist, twisted her arm, and threatened to cut off her hand. According to the prosecution, he also delivered three punches to her face. The victim was injured on her hand and face during the attack.

On Wednesday morning, the 66-year-old German was awaited in vain in the courtroom. He had informed the court in a 28-page submission that he would have to travel 700 kilometers and would by no means face an "Islamic show trial." Due to her name, he also accused the presiding judge of being an "Islamic judge." However, his request to reject the judge was not granted by the court president, as there were no doubts about her objectivity.

Trial in Upper Austria Postponed

In his submission, the defendant also claimed that the victim had verbally attacked and insulted him. The Muslim woman, who was born in Austria and speaks perfect German, told journalists that she had never experienced such Islamophobia in Schärding before. The trial was initially postponed. Although there is a possibility of scheduling an afternoon session next time to make it easier for the man to travel, he could soon be facing a European arrest warrant.

(APA/Red)

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