OLG Set to Rule on Kurz's Appeal Regarding False Testimony

Former Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz is set to appear in court again on Monday at the Vienna Justice Palace. The Higher Regional Court (OLG) of Vienna will address his appeal against a conviction for providing false testimony during the Ibiza parliamentary inquiry. In an initial ruling, Kurz received an eight-month suspended sentence, while his former chief of staff, Bernhard Bonelli, was sentenced to six months. Both defendants lodged appeals against their convictions following the February 2024 verdict.

The conviction was linked to Kurz's statements regarding the appointment of a supervisory board member at the state holding company, ÖBAG. The court found that Kurz misrepresented his involvement during his testimony in the inquiry, suggesting he had little to do with the matter. However, Kurz was acquitted concerning the appointment of Thomas Schmid as the ÖBAG CEO. The Economic and Corruption Prosecutor's Office accepted the initial court decisions.

Throughout the proceedings, Kurz has maintained that he did not intentionally provide false information during his testimony. Following the February 23, 2024, verdict, it took nearly nine months for the appeals to reach the OLG, partly due to the defense's submissions. On Monday, the court will determine whether the convictions will be upheld. It is also within the court's purview to modify the sentencing even if it confirms the guilty verdicts. A decision rendered by the appellate court will be final, although it may also refer parts of the case back to the original court for further consideration.

The public hearing is scheduled to last approximately three hours, and no witnesses are expected to be called. As noted by OLG spokesperson Susanne Lehr, the public nature of the appeals process does not imply any predictions regarding the outcome. Given that there are two defendants involved, this procedural approach is mandated by law. Anticipation is high, and media representatives have already been required to register for attendance in advance due to expected large crowds.