After Police Operation: Slovenian Foreign Minister Visited NS Memorial at Peršmanhof

The Slovenian Foreign Minister Fajon laid a wreath to commemorate the victims of the Nazi massacre and reiterated Slovenia's demand for a swift clarification of the police operation, which was heavily criticized by descendants of the victims and representatives of the Carinthian Slovenes.

Slovenian Foreign Minister Demands Swift Clarification and "Legal Consequences" After Police Operation at Peršmanhof

According to a statement from her ministry, Fajon spoke of "gross police violence against the young participants of the camp" and emphasized Slovenia's "unwavering support and solidarity with the Slovenian ethnic group." The social democratic politician visited the memorial in the presence of representatives of the Carinthian Slovenes. In the afternoon, she met with the Carinthian state government at a conference of the Joint Committee Carinthia-Slovenia, with ambassadors from both countries also participating.

At the press conference with Governor Peter Kaiser (SPÖ) following the conference, Fajon also emphasized that she expects a swift clarification in the Peršmanhof case, she wants to know the motive of those responsible and see legal consequences. Both Fajon and Kaiser said the "unpleasant" topic was discussed in detail, and both politicians emphasized the joint cooperation and otherwise good relations. Kaiser once again expressed "my deep regret," referred to the "extremely competent commission" set up by the Ministry of the Interior for clarification, and expressed his expectation of consequences.

Investigation Commission to Present Interim Report by End of September

The Slovenian public is still shocked by the event, mutual trust must be rebuilt, said Fajon. "Our mutual wish is that such events do not repeat. However, it is also true that the event has shown that more awareness-raising must take place on the Austrian side to better understand the shared history." Fajon urged the implementation of minority rights from the state treaty. She did not consider canceling the conference due to the incidents at Peršmanhof, Fajon said when asked.

The investigation commission of the Ministry of the Interior is to present at least an interim report by the end of September. Due to a complaint by the Klagenfurt lawyer Rudolf Vouk, the Graz public prosecutor's office is investigating the case on suspicion of abuse of office (§ 302 para. 1 StGB).

The four-hour police operation at an anti-fascist camp at the Carinthian Peršmanhof on the last Sunday of July caused a stir both nationally and internationally. After anonymous reports, which according to the police were received on Friday, the operation was planned on the same day. Officially, it was about violations of the Nature Conservation Act and the Camping Site Act, as well as breaches of decency. The farm, which is now a memorial and museum, was the site of a Nazi massacre in 1945 involving members of two Carinthian families, including children.

(APA/Red)

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