A Tyrone party leader faces criminal proceedings after a hunting photograph of him and René Benko emerged. However, he is not thinking of giving up. On Monday evening, Dornauer got help from a Tyrone hotelier.
He may have dropped one buck too many. Georg Dornauer, an experienced party critic who was always very excited, had a good chance for a career move. The Tyrolean SPÖ leader and state deputy governor were recently discussed for the position of defense minister. Emphasis on “was”.
Because on Monday the “Krone” published a photo with consequences. It shows a deer killed in the middle of a good-humored and intelligent hunting party: ex-property boss René Benko, a hotelier from Tyrone – and Dornauer. The latter is now heavily criticized. The Tyrolean Neos want him to resign, but the representatives of their own state party are also firing hard, although the federal party did not want to comment in response to a press request late this afternoon.
Violation of martial law?
Now what is the problem? Actually there are two. On the one hand, there is the criminal law, which has now been implemented by the Graz public prosecutor’s office. This checks whether “criminal proceedings should be initiated based on the media reporting”. The passionate hunter Dornauer was banned from weapons in 2019. (In addition to this the hunting license and the weapon were withdrawn.)
The reason: Dornauer had left his rifle and magazine in the car with the window open at Innsbruck Airport. According to the Innsbruck district administration, the ban is still in place. A request for annulment has not been received – although Dornauer announced in the media recently – that it has not been received. From the BH’s point of view, a violation of Section 50 of the Arms Act must be examined, a spokesperson told the “Presse”. This can even lead to a prison sentence. However, the StA Graz is responsible for the test because the hunting party was traveling in the Styrian forests.
Dornauer, who first denied and then admitted the hunting trip, which is said to have taken place in September, strongly denied shooting. However, hunting experts pointed out that Dornauer’s hat with the “prey break” traditionally identifies the shooter, and Dornauer later says “it’s not my hat at all.” It is now supported in the Tuesday edition of the “Tiroler Tageszeitung”.
Help from a hotel
His fellow hunter, the hotel from Tyrolean, who does not want to publish his name, says: “My hand, not Dornauer “He was not carrying a weapon.” The hotel did not want to comment on who paid for the shooting or whether they were invited. According to “Kurier”, another offense can be committed: prohibiting a public official from accepting a gift, since such gifts are worth more than one hundred euros allowed.
In addition to the potential legal problems, there is also a political problem that is almost more serious for some members of the party: the hunting party itself. Because the SPÖ investigated in a U-committee the “billionaires’ choice of the ÖVP government members”, one of their own went to the football with one of the main actors – Benko.
To serious criminal charges, including potential violations of martial law, depending on the outcomes of the investigation.
Editor, Time.news: Welcome, everyone, to Time.news. Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Franz Koller, a political analyst and legal expert who has been following the unfolding situation involving Georg Dornauer. Thanks for joining us, Dr. Koller.
Dr. Koller: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Quite a situation we’re seeing with Dornauer, isn’t it? Just when his political prospects were looking up, he finds himself embroiled in controversy. What do you make of this sudden twist?
Dr. Koller: Absolutely, it’s quite intriguing. Dornauer was being discussed for the role of defense minister, which would have been a significant step in his career. However, this photograph and its implications have certainly turned the tide against him. It’s a stark reminder of how quickly public perception can shift, particularly in politics.
Editor: What do you think the primary issue is at play here? Is it the hunting itself, or the criminal implications surrounding his previous weapon ban?
Dr. Koller: It’s multifaceted. On one hand, you have the ethical concerns surrounding hunting, which can be quite polarizing in the public domain, especially for a public figure. But more critically, it could be the legal implications stemming from his past: the 2019 weapon ban is particularly damning. If the Graz public prosecutor’s office decides to pursue criminal proceedings, it could lead to serious legal repercussions for him, and potentially, an end to his career in politics.
Editor: How do you think this will affect his party’s stance? The Neos have already called for his resignation, and internal pressure within the SPÖ will likely increase as well.
Dr. Koller: Indeed, political parties often rally together under a banner of integrity. When a prominent member faces such scrutiny, especially over legal matters, it creates fissures within the party. The Neos’ quick move to call for his resignation indicates they see this as an opportunity to capitalize on his vulnerability. It’s possible that within the SPÖ, leaders may either distance themselves from Dornauer or actively discuss a strategy to manage the fallout, depending on how the investigation unfolds.
Editor: Speaking of the investigation, you noted that Section 50 of the Arms Act comes into play here. Can you elaborate on what that entails and how it could impact Dornauer?
Dr. Koller: Certainly. Section 50 of the Arms Act deals with the possession and usage of firearms, specifically focusing on responsible ownership and storage. Given that Dornauer had previously been banned from owning firearms, any engagement in activities that contradict this ban – such as participating in a hunting party – could lead to serious legal consequences. If the authorities find substantial evidence to charge him, it could not only affect his political career but also lead to criminal charges that might see him facing more than just political backlash.
Editor: And what do you think members of his party should consider moving forward? Is it too early to write him off?
Dr. Koller: It might be too early to make a definitive judgment. Political landscapes can be unpredictable. However, the SPÖ needs to consider the long-term implications of their alignment with Dornauer. Public trust is paramount, so they must weigh the risks of standing by him against the potential benefits. If he’s able to navigate these waters and emerge unscathed legally, there could be a path for redemption. But if this turns into a protracted scandal, it might be better for them to cut their losses sooner rather than later.
Editor: Thank you for your insights, Dr. Koller. This situation will undoubtedly continue to develop, and we appreciate your perspective on the implications for both Dornauer and the broader political landscape.
Dr. Koller: Thank you for having me. It will be interesting to see how all of this unfolds.