Final Stages of Trial Over Violent Park Clash in Vienna

The trial concerning a violent confrontation between Chechen and Syrian groups last summer in a park in Vienna has entered its concluding phase. On Wednesday, jurors began their deliberations shortly after noon. Two Chechen defendants, aged 29 and 30, face charges of attempted murder stemming from a shooting incident that occurred on July 5, 2024. Both defendants have maintained their innocence throughout the proceedings.

The elder defendant is accused of actively participating in the shooting at Anton-Kummerer-Park in Brigittenau. The younger defendant is alleged to have been present and thus contributed psychologically to the events. On the second day of the trial at the regional court, additional witnesses and a firearms expert, Ingo Wieser, provided testimony. Analysis of phone records indicated proximity to the crime scene.

Defense attorneys Alexander Philipp and Florian Kreiner claimed their clients did not enter the park after it was stormed by numerous Syrians armed with wooden planks, metal rods, machetes, and other weapons. However, phone data suggested that the defendants were within a kilometer of the site during the altercation. The elder defendant is accused of firing at least six shots with intent to kill at five individuals in the opposing group, narrowly missing them. Two individuals were injured by projectiles deflected off nearby vehicles, sustaining injuries from shrapnel and a superficial wound.

The 30-year-old defendant denied involvement, asserting he left the area in his vehicle upon hearing gunfire. Nevertheless, gunshot residue was found in his car, which matched residue from the recovered bullet casings. He claimed the residue was from regular shooting practice at a range in Slovakia; however, this was contradicted by the range owner and the expert witness, who stated that none of the bullets found at his residence matched those found at the scene.

The younger defendant is alleged to have accompanied the main accused while being aware of the plan for the attack. While it is suggested that he armed himself at the scene, there is no evidence linking him directly to the use of a weapon. Prosecutors allege he psychologically encouraged the elder defendant during the shooting. However, a girlfriend of the younger defendant testified that they were eating pizza nearby when the incident occurred, and they fled to a café upon hearing the gunfire.

According to the firearms expert, the weapon used in the incident was a Walther P5, known for ejecting casings to the left side. The analysis revealed that six shots were fired, with additional bullet holes discovered in a nearby parking area, indicating that two more shots may have been discharged without casings being recovered. The expert could not determine whether a single shooter or a second suspect was involved in these shots.

Gunshot residue was found not only on the driver's side of the elder defendant's vehicle but also on a fanny pack belonging to the younger defendant, suggesting that someone with contaminated hands may have reached into the bag. The trial continues as jurors weigh the evidence presented against the defendants.