ÖVP Politician Hanger Called "Assface": Man Had to Appear in Court

He reached a settlement with the plaintiff's side. In addition to the legal costs, he has to pay compensation of 1000 euros and must post an apology video. He had been in a "psychological exceptional state" when he made the post, which he was "extremely sorry" for, his lawyer emphasized.

At that time, he had been intensely involved with the debate on pension increases, which is why he then commented under a post by the ÖVP politician. Right at the beginning, his defense attorney at the Vienna Regional Criminal Court signaled willingness to settle. Hanger's legal representative responded sharply: "Yes, but only on our terms." She presented the man and his defense attorney with a document with these very terms: "non-negotiable." He accepted this after a short consultation. The trial is adjourned indefinitely until these conditions are met.

Hanger: "That's just not how it works"

The content of the settlement was not made public in the proceedings. Hanger himself told the APA that the man must sign a cease-and-desist declaration, post a video on Facebook in which he pledges not to insult anymore, and pay 1,000 euros in compensation in addition to the legal costs (approx. 1,500-2,000 euros). This, in turn, will be passed on by Hanger to the defendant's daughter. "In advance, his wife, his daughter, and his lawyer contacted me to apologize, but not he himself," said the National Council member.

However, it is not about the apology for him. "As a politician, you have to endure criticism, but not insults." He wants to do something against the "incivility" because insults on the internet are becoming more frequent, which is why he decided to sue. "This often also comes from the right, the FPÖ environment," Hanger said. "But that's just not how it works." Further lawsuits are in preparation. Hanger further emphasized in conversation with the APA that a "like" is to be valued the same as a written comment, and he is still considering suing in such cases as well.

(APA/Red)

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