“Bandido” forwarded Nazi photos: “It was a stupid thing”

Yesterday, a previously blameless 32-year-old from the Ried district had to answer for the crime of re-activation. The man was a member of the motorcycle rocker group Bandidos.

In the course of extensive investigations against several members of the Bandidos – the OÖN has repeatedly reported – several people were arrested. Investigations have been and continue to be carried out for, among other things, arms trafficking, drug possession and renewed activity; there have already been several convictions.

The 32-year-old sent several pictures and a video with Nazi content in a WhatsApp group with 16 members. “My client will comment on the allegations for the first time today, that is his right,” said defense attorney Harald Korp.

“The Bandidos obviously generally have a great affinity for the National Socialist era. Today, a small part of this major case is being investigated,” said prosecutor Alois Ebner in his opening statement to the jury. The accused, who faces further proceedings, including for weapons possession, confessed to having sent the pictures. “It was nonsense,” he said again and again to presiding judge Josef Lautner.

Pictures “more satire”

“I am and have never been right-wing. From my point of view, the pictures were more of a satire. I regret it because I obviously didn’t think,” said the defendant, some of whose statements were very difficult to understand.

In addition to some photos of Adolf Hitler, the accused also sent a picture of a Bandido T-shirt with an imperial eagle. “I was given it as a gift, it was the first Bandidos T-shirt in Switzerland. But I didn’t wear it,” said the 32-year-old, who was even held in custody from June 26 to August 11, 2023. The Innviertler was shown further image files that were saved on his cell phone. However, these photos were not charged because they had not been forwarded. “I have no idea where the photos came from. I can’t say anything about it,” said the accused, visibly annoyed. “Do you see the Bandidos in connection with these right-wing things?” Prosecutor Ebner asked the accused. “No,” was the short answer. “Well, eh, everyone can form their own opinion,” said Ebner.

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