Former ‘Aula’ Magazine Editor Faces Final Days of Trial in Graz on Charges of Inciting Neo-Nazism
The trial of Martin Pfeiffer, the former editor-in-chief of the now-defunct Austrian magazine “Aula,” is set to conclude next week in the Graz Regional Criminal Court, with final arguments scheduled for Tuesday, December 2nd. The case, which began in September, centers on allegations that Pfeiffer used the publication to disseminate National Socialist propaganda and incite the reactivation of Nazi ideologies.
The prosecution alleges that between 2005 and June 2018, Pfeiffer, as an author, published articles containing “National Socialist propaganda stereotypes” that could incite others. The indictment lists approximately 300 articles from “Aula” as evidence, claiming they propagated racial theory and anti-Semitism. Pfeiffer, who also served as a district politician for the FPÖ in Graz during his tenure, has denied all accusations. He is accused of providing a platform for racism, concepts of a “master race,” and biologically-based racial theories rooted in National Socialist ideology.
Hearings have been underway for two weeks, but approximately 60 articles remain under scrutiny. These will be examined in detail next week, alongside materials sold through the magazine’s book service. A significant development this week was the filing of an expansion to the charges, with prosecutors alleging that Pfeiffer trivialized Nazi crimes during his testimony. This expansion falls under paragraph 3h of the Prohibition Act.
The jury will begin reviewing a nearly 300-page list of questions on Monday, December 1st, a process Judge Erik Nauta anticipates will consume the entire day. Following the review of these questions, closing arguments are scheduled for Tuesday, with a verdict expected to be reached on the same day. However, Wednesday, December 3rd, has been reserved as a contingency date should the jury require additional time for deliberation.
The case highlights the ongoing legal and societal challenges of addressing extremist ideologies and the responsibility of media platforms in preventing the spread of hate speech. The outcome of the trial will likely set a precedent for similar cases involving the dissemination of extremist content in Austria.
