Defamation of character

“Plagiarism hunter” Stefan Weber sentenced

Media scientist Stefan Weber(Bild: Joachim Bergbauer)

The media scientist and self-proclaimed "plagiarism hunter" Stefan Weber has been convicted of defamation. He must pay compensation of 4000 euros. The court considered it proven that Weber defamed the then Rector of the University of Klagenfurt with false accusations in January 2024.

"The Linz Higher Regional Court has confirmed the decision of the Salzburg Regional Court in full, which is no great surprise," said the plaintiff's lawyer Maria Windhager on Wednesday. The proceedings concerned statements made by Weber from Salzburg in connection with the dismissal of two German university professors in Klagenfurt. In a blog post, he asked whether this was a "demonstration of power" by the rector.

He also wrote that the two colleagues are still struggling with the consequences of their dismissal, will never be able to regain a foothold in academia and that one of the two women is in poor health. "Both of them have been ruined financially, reputationally, mentally and physically by Vitouch (rector, note) for the rest of their lives". Both scientists had stated that they had been persecuted by the rector for years, and even the smallest discrepancies in information had been criticized.

Vitouch: "False allegations"
These allegations were false, said lawyer Windhager at the trial in May 2024. "It was and is Weber's interest to damage my reputation," said Vitouch himself. The dismissal of the two professors was due to complaints from employees, including bullying.

The Linz Higher Regional Court confirmed the decision of the Salzburg Regional Court from summer 2024. The compensation of 4000 euros is now due. The "plagiarism hunter" must also publish the ruling on his blog.