Asia - Pacific

Prominent Austrian politician faces prosecution for insulting country’s president

Country's Security Directorate General reported Herbert Kickl to prosecutor, says public broadcaster

Ahmet Gençtürk  | 28.02.2023 - Update : 28.02.2023
Prominent Austrian politician faces prosecution for insulting country’s president

ATHENS 

A prominent Austrian politician could be prosecuted for insulting country’s president, local media reported on Monday. 

In response to remarks by Herbert Kickl, leader of the right-wing Freedom Party (FPO), calling President Alexander Van der Belle “senile” and a “mummy,” the Directorate General for Public Security has decided to file a report, said public broadcaster ORF.

The report was already sent to the local prosecutor of the northern province of Ried im Innkreis, where Kickl made the remarks last week, said ORF.

It stressed that the ball is now in the president’s court, and he soon will decide whether to authorize the prosecutor to bring charges against Kickl.

If found guilty, Kickl could face up to three months in prison or a fine, it added.

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