Pilnacek Committee: No. police chief took officers under protection

The Pilnacek investigation committee convened for its second day of hearings this week, focusing on the circumstances surrounding the death of former justice department head Christian Pilnacek. On Monday morning, Niederösterreich’s police chief, Franz Popp, was called as an expert witness. He detailed how he learned about Pilnacek's death after his body was found in the Danube near Rossatz. Popp described the hours following the incident, emphasizing that he took measures to protect his officers during this time.

Popp mentioned that prior to the public knowledge of Pilnacek’s ghost ride—his alleged driving while deceased—he had conducted several phone calls. After being informed of Pilnacek’s death, Popp spoke with a press spokesperson and the lawyer representing Pilnacek’s widow, Caroline List. The call served as an apology for the family learning of the tragedy through media outlets rather than directly.

Popp also highlighted his efforts to ensure training sessions were held for his colleagues in preparation for the inquiry. He stated that conversations with the press officer revealed that the investigating officers ruled out third-party involvement. “Much pointed towards suicide, which was my first impression,” Popp said when asked about the initial findings. However, he could not provide specific details regarding the ongoing investigations, including whether the prosecution in Krems had been informed before retrieving Pilnacek’s mobile phone.

Recent criticism has targeted the Ministry of the Interior, particularly concerning the extensive preparations made for the inquiry. Earlier today, SPÖ faction leader Jan Krainer commented that police officers within the ministry seemed better trained for inquiries than their daily tasks. Popp countered this by stating that he advocated for training sessions for his colleagues.

A notable exchange occurred between members of the ÖVP and FPÖ factions. The session began with questions from NEOS faction leader Sophie Wotschke, who focused largely on the procedures and guidelines related to evidence collection at the crime scene. Both Wotschke and her Green colleague, Nina Tomaselli, criticized the lack of accountability among police personnel for potential errors.

Before the session started, FPÖ member Gernot Darmann accused ÖVP faction leader Andreas Hanger of political persecution. Hanger responded humorously, welcoming journalists to "another day in the FPÖ tax money waste committee." This exchange underscored the tense atmosphere surrounding the inquiry.

Following Popp’s testimony, attention will shift to General Director for Public Safety, Franz Ruf, who is scheduled to give his statement later today. Yesterday afternoon, Federal Police Director Michael Takacs was questioned, with particular focus on his telephone communications after the discovery of Pilnacek’s body. These interactions are under scrutiny as part of the broader investigation into the incident.

The inquiry continues to unfold with each new testimonial, shedding light on the sequence of events leading up to Pilnacek’s death and the subsequent actions taken by law enforcement officials. As more witnesses come forward, the committee aims to piece together a comprehensive understanding of the case, ensuring transparency and accountability within the police force. The outcomes of these proceedings will likely influence future policies and training protocols within the Austrian police system.