Following the terrorist attack in Villach, where a 23-year-old Syrian killed a 14-year-old teenager and injured five people on Saturday, pre-trial detention was imposed on the 23-year-old on Wednesday. The accused, who was represented by a defense attorney, did not provide any information about the incident before the judge, the Klagenfurt Regional Court reported. Interior Minister Gerhard Karner (ÖVP) once again insisted on more powers for the police.

After Villach Attack: Pre-Trial Detention Imposed on Attacker

The decision was made after the mandatory hearing by the detention and legal protection judge. Pre-trial detention was imposed due to the urgent suspicion of murder, with "risk of flight and risk of committing further offenses" cited as reasons for detention. This legally binding decision is initially valid until March 5, 2025. Within this period, there will be a detention hearing "in which the possible continuation of pre-trial detention will be decided," according to the regional court.

Attack Victims Transferred to General Ward

Meanwhile, the condition of one of the injured from the attack has improved to the extent that he could be transferred to the general ward, a spokeswoman for the hospital operator Kabeg announced on Wednesday. The two 15-year-old teenagers, who were critically injured, remained in stable condition in the intensive care unit.

Funeral March and Church Service in Klagenfurt

On Wednesday evening, a funeral march with a church service will take place in Klagenfurt, with which the state capital expresses its condolences. A joint funeral march will start at 6:00 PM at the Cathedral Square, and at 6:30 PM, a mass will be held in the St. Egid Parish Church with city pastor Gerhard Simonitti.

Interior Minister Again Calls for More Powers

Interior Minister Gerhard Karner (ÖVP) once again mentioned on the sidelines of a press event on Wednesday that the police need new frameworks in some areas to ensure the safety of the people. For example, the monitoring of messenger services, which is not possible in Austria, is standard in other European countries. "I think that the discussion in society has already progressed to the point where it is needed and the police should also have these opportunities," Karner believes he has public opinion on his side.

New opportunities are also needed for digital investigators. Currently, they often operate in a gray area. Technically and in terms of personnel, the police and the intelligence service would also need to upgrade. When asked if he, like Carinthian Deputy Governor Martin Gruber (ÖVP), was in favor of a ban on TikTok, the Interior Minister said he understood "the emotions that are there." He also mentioned that the digital area needs to be looked at and different possibilities considered, such as a mobile phone ban in schools.

(APA/Red)

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