Image: VOLKER Weihbold
In the barracks in Landeck, the two former soldiers are said to have shown the Hitler salute, played soldiers’ songs from the Nazi era or displayed Nazi propaganda material. They are also said to have asked other soldiers to kiss a red wooden egg with a swastika.
In addition, one of the defendants is accused of carrying a Wehrmacht pay book in his breast pocket while on duty and of having described this as a service regulation. In addition, for example, a wedding edition of Hitler’s “Mein Kampf” was presented in the barracks. Both men face up to 10 years in prison if convicted.
As a court spokeswoman told the APA in advance, the two ex-career soldiers have not yet pleaded guilty. Among other things, they answered that instead of “Sieg Heil” they greeted them with “Berg Heil” or “Ski Heil”, which they said was common in military circles. Also, NS marching songs would never have been played, only other marching songs subject to the prohibition law. Both defendants have meanwhile left the federal army voluntarily. In doing so, the Tyrolean military command told the APA that they were anticipating an “imminent loss of office”. In any case, within the army, a dismissal procedure was underway against the two.
Source: Nachrichten
