Six accused of assisting deadly Vienna attack go on trial

VIENNA – The trial of six males accused of helping a jihadist who went on a lethal taking pictures rampage in Vienna two years in the past opened on Tuesday, as attorneys for the lads denied they knew what the gunman was planning.

The 20-year-old attacker, who was shot lifeless by police inside minutes of opening fireplace, killed 4 folks on Nov. 2, 2020, mowing down crowds as they sat on terraces having fun with a heat night the day earlier than a brand new nationwide coronavirus lockdown. Greater than 20 folks had been injured.

Whereas police have stated they imagine the gunman, Kujtim Fejzulai, who held Austrian and North Macedonian nationality, carried out the assault alone, the six defendants are accused of offering varied sorts of assist beforehand. One accompanied him on a failed try to purchase ammunition in close by Slovakia whereas one other allegedly provided the assault rifle he used.

“I'm positive that all of you is aware of what you had been doing on the night of Nov. 2, 2020,” nationwide information company APA quoted a prosecutor as telling the jury within the packed courtroom.

The defendants, who face terror fees, had “causally contributed to the execution of the crime”, she added.

All however one of many males have lengthy been identified to home intelligence as supporters of Islamic State, just like the attacker, based on Austrian media. Attorneys for the lads stated they'd plead not responsible.

One of many defendants, Ismail Bayandir, is accused of getting taken half in preparations for the assault within the gunman’s house, which he denies.

“He visited the attacker … however he didn't present a psychological contribution,” Manfred Arbacher-Stoeger, a lawyer for Bayandir, advised Reuters shortly earlier than the trial opened.

“He discovered by way of the media that there had been an assault within the metropolis centre and when he noticed the photographs he instantly went to the police himself and stated ‘I believe I do know him. I believe this was a detailed good friend of mine,’” he added.