Under strict security measures, a trial has begun in Vienna for the wave of letter bomb explosions that occurred in December 1993 in the Austrian capital.
Peter Binder and Franz Radl, suspected of carrying out the bombings, are the prominent Austrian extremists on trial as of last week.
The two defendants, both 28, have been charged in connection with the following:
Within three days, 10 letter bombs were sent to various Austrian politicians and clergy, all of whom support the integration of foreigners into the country general population. Four of the bombs exploded, seriously injuring five people. One letter bomb reached Vienna’s former mayor, Helmut Zilk, whose left hand was torn to pieces in the explosion.
Binder and Radl admitted to participation in neo-Nazi activities, but denied carrying out the letter bombings.
Binder and Radl are accused of belonging to the ultrarightist VAPO organization.
If convicted, both men face up to 20 years imprisonment.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
