A Vienna court is set to hear an extraordinary case of alleged police brutality next Wednesday, with four Austrian officials facing charges over the arrest and treatment of a Ukrainian man that prosecutors say left him permanently disabled after suffering a stroke, according to Austrian News Agency.
According to the prosecution, the then 54 year old man was arrested at Vienna’s Schwarzenbergplatz on May 9, 2024, after protesting during a ceremony where Russian diplomats laid a wreath at the Soviet War Memorial to mark Victory Day. The man, who had been living in Austria since 2012, was reportedly protesting Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Police said he committed administrative offenses, refused to cooperate during an identity check, and grabbed an officer’s protective vest.
Prosecutors allege that the arresting officer used excessive force by throwing the man to the ground and pressing a knee forcefully against his neck while restraining him. Medical experts concluded that the incident caused a neck injury that triggered a stroke.
The indictment further claims that after being taken to the Police Detention Center, the man repeatedly complained of serious health problems and pressed the emergency call button. Despite showing clear signs of a stroke, including slurred speech, facial drooping, blurred vision, poor balance, and difficulty walking, officers allegedly ignored his requests for medical help and failed to call an ambulance. Prosecutors also accuse them of not documenting the incident.
Later that evening, the man was questioned by a police legal officer while seated in a wheelchair because he could no longer walk. Prosecutors allege the official abused his authority by conducting the interview even though the detainee was clearly unable to understand the proceedings. Court records stated that the man waived his right to a lawyer and admitted being drunk, but a court clerk later testified that he could barely speak and was incapable of making such statements.
Medical experts say the man now suffers permanent nerve pain, balance disorders, and serious mobility problems that have left him unable to continue working as a cleaner. The arresting officer faces a charge of negligent bodily harm, while three other officials are charged with abuse of authority or neglect of a detainee. All four defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
