Trial in Salzburg

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The breakneck chase in which police officers even fired shots in November 2023 is being heard today. A Romanian wanted to bring ten Syrians who had entered the country illegally to Germany. He now faces up to ten years in prison if convicted.

"Krone" readers know the case, today the accused driver - a Romanian (35) - has to explain himself in Salzburg Regional Court. According to Section 114 of the Aliens Police Act, the criminal faces between one and ten years in prison if convicted. And defense lawyer Kurt Jelinek announces in advance in an interview with "Krone": "My client will make a confession."

From Bavaria via Steinpass to Saalfelden
What happened? On November 11, 2023, the 35-year-old chased his Renault Traffic with ten illegal Syrian immigrants along the B311 towards Saalfelden - in wintry conditions. The criminal, who had 13 previous convictions in his home country, had previously been noticed by Bavarian police officers. He therefore turned the car around and drove back to Austria via the Steinpass - after the border, the local officers took over the pursuit. The driver evaded roadblocks and even rammed a police car three times. Officers fired shots from their service pistols during the dangerous drive to get him to stop. One bullet hit and injured a Syrian in the face.

The chase ended shortly before Saalfelden: the van got stuck in the snow. Officers surrounded the man and arrested him. He has been in custody ever since. According to the indictment, he is said to be part of a criminal organization. He is said to have received 2,500 euros per head from the refugees for the journey.