After Invitation from Measures Opponent Rutter: Virologist Nowotny Cancels Participation in ORF Corona Discussion

The reason for virologist Norbert Nowotny's cancellation of the ORF corona discussion is the participation of Martin Rutter, a corona denier and opponent of the measures, in the "A Place for Words" discussion. This event is scheduled to take place on Thursday in a tavern in Zwettl and aims to examine which facts retrospectively justify the then corona restrictions and to what extent mistakes were also made during the pandemic.

ORF Defends Invitation of Opponent Rutter to Corona Discussion

Rutter founded associations for vaccine victims and repeatedly attracted attention at demonstrations against corona measures. Nowotny explained to the APA that he had informed himself more closely about Rutter and also reviewed his Telegram channels. What he found there - statements far from any facts or even advertisements for weapons - led him "after careful consideration" to cancel his participation in the format, which he generally appreciates. With Rutter, who also called on his followers to appear in large numbers, an evidence-based debate is not conceivable. Nowotny fears much more that Rutter would know how to use the discussion for his own purposes. The commendable endeavor of ORF to explore and ideally close the gaps in the population will not be possible in this way, the virologist believes. ORF argued on Monday that Rutter's invitation was to ensure "all viewpoints" are heard. An APA inquiry about how the discussion will proceed after Nowotny's cancellation has so far remained unanswered.

(APA/red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.