Former Justice Minister Brandstetter Acquitted in Final Ruling

The legal proceedings against Wolfgang Brandstetter, the former Justice Minister, concluded with a final acquittal regarding allegations of providing false testimony. This decision follows the withdrawal of the prosecution's appeal after an initial ruling by the Vienna Regional Court in August, as reported by local media.

Brandstetter faced accusations stemming from his appearance as a witness in the ÖVP corruption inquiry. He was alleged to have inaccurately claimed that he could not produce his personal mobile phone on February 25, 2021, as it was at home, following instructions from the public prosecutor's office. However, subsequent investigations revealed that the device was actually located in his office.

During the trial, Brandstetter attributed his memory lapses to health issues, which the court considered. Ultimately, the judge concluded that there was insufficient evidence to establish any intent to deceive on Brandstetter's part.

The conclusion of this case marks a significant moment for Brandstetter, allowing him to move forward without the burden of these allegations. The legal team's success in achieving a final verdict emphasizes the challenges faced by prosecutors in establishing the credibility of testimony in complex corruption cases.

With the appeal now officially withdrawn, the ruling stands as the definitive outcome of the legal battle that has drawn considerable public attention.