Because they published articles deploring the sentence of four years imprisonment imposed by the Innsbruck court on Philip Halsmann, at the second trial on the charge of patricide, editors of a number of Vienna newspapers were brought to trial by the Austrian public prosecutor.
Declaring that such reports were an insult to justice and officials the public prosecutor instituted proceedings. Among those charged was the editor of the “Zionistische Stimme.”
When brought before the magistrate a number of the editors disclaimed responsibility, declaring they had not seen the articles before publication in their papers. Small fines were imposed on them.
The editor of the “Zionistische Stimme” and several others accepted responsibility for the articles, declaring it was their intention to again bring the Halsmann case before the public.
The fact that Halsmann was sentenced by a jury in Innsbruck, known as a seat of anti-Semitic feeling was (Continued on Page 4)
Philip Halsmann declared a hunger strike. He has refused all food since Friday. Physicians are concerned over the consequences, because of his weakened condition.
Appealin for justice, not mercy, Jacob Wasserman, noted German Jewish novelist, publishes an open letter in the Austrian press addressed to President Miklas pleading Halsmann’s innocence. He is convinced, as are all people who are not influenced by race prejudice, that Philip Halsmann is innocent, the novelist declared.
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.
