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Austria: Allegations of violence and abuse

01 November 2004

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Parallel to the serious torture allegations in German prisons (see prison section), similar incidents have surfaced among the Austrian military. Three commanders have been suspended from service pending further investigations after reports of physical and psychological abuse during training. The public prosecutor is investigating the claims. The Austrian Defence Minister has strongly criticised the incidents which are being debated in parliament. In this case, around 80 army recruits were involved in a mock hostage-taking exercise and abused. The incident which took place at Freistadt Army Barracks in October 2003, was videotaped. Investigations have also been initiated into an incidents of mock executions at the Walgau army barracks in Bludesch in December 2003. There have been more allegations among several battalions, all of which belong to the 6th division of the Austrian fighter brigades.

http://derstandard.at 20.12.04, Süddeutsche Zeitung 4-5.12.04

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