Austria — FrontPages.eu

Murder Trial Begins, New Far-Right Funding Allegations Emerge

Get European news in your inbox daily

A short daily digest of the whole continent — or just the countries you care about.

Choose individual countries instead (or as well)

A significant murder trial has commenced in Vienna today, focusing on the disappearance of Jenni Scharinger eight years ago. Her ex-boyfriend is now facing charges, marking a major development in the long-running case.

Meanwhile, new accusations have surfaced regarding the potential financial support from the youth wing of the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) to Identitarian groups. This development adds a new layer to the ongoing investigation into the party's ties to far-right movements.

Other notable domestic news includes new details on suspicious transactions involving Benko, a reported increase in violence against public officials, and a union's demand for better pay for kindergarten staff, threatening industrial action in the autumn.

Top stories

Jenni Scharinger Murder Trial Commences

The trial against the ex-boyfriend of Jenni Scharinger, who disappeared in Vienna in January 2018, has begun today. The former partner faces charges related to her murder and could face life imprisonment.

New Accusations Against FPÖ Youth Over Identitarian Ties

Fresh accusations have emerged concerning potential financial support provided by the youth wing of the FPÖ to Identitarian groups, adding to existing probes into the party's connections with far-right movements.

ORF Money to Identitarians? New Accusations Against FPÖ Youth ↗

Benko's Alleged Art-for-Villas Trade Uncovered

The Soko Signa investigation has revealed further suspicious transactions involving Benko, focusing on his alleged attempt to trade two artworks worth approximately 30 million euros for villas at Lake Garda.

Kurier Benko wanted to trade Picasso and Basquiat for Lake Garda villas ↗

Violence Against Public Officials Sees Over 20 Percent Increase

A new report indicates a significant rise of more than 20 percent in cases of violence targeting public officials, including police officers, teachers, and other service providers.

profil Violence Against Public Officials Rises Over 20 Percent ↗

Heat and Bark Beetles Threaten Styrian Forests

Forests in Styria are facing significant threats from rising temperatures and widespread bark beetle infestations, posing a challenge to the region's natural environment.

ORF Heat and Bark Beetles Threaten Forests ↗