Wien Court Case: Teenagers Accused of Assaulting and Blackmailing Teacher

A group of seven teenagers is currently facing trial in Vienna on serious charges including rape, sexual coercion, and blackmail against a teacher. The prosecution alleges that the young men, aged between 14 and 17, also committed theft and even set fire to the victim's apartment.

The trial commenced at the Vienna Regional Court and is set to continue until October 20. This case emerges amid a broader political discussion in Austria regarding potential tightening of sexual offenses laws, especially following a recent controversial acquittal of ten youths accused of sexually abusing a 12-year-old.

The alleged offenses reportedly began after a consensual sexual relationship developed between the teacher, a woman in her thirties, and a former student in April 2024. The prosecutor indicated that since the student was over 14 at the time, the teacher's actions were not deemed illegal.

However, starting in May 2024, the former student began visiting the teacher with friends, who were allegedly part of a criminal gang. These friends purportedly intimidated the teacher during these visits. According to the prosecution, some of the accused engaged in drug use with the teacher and took advantage of her intoxicated state to sexually assault her.

The teenagers reportedly threatened to disclose details of the teacher's involvement with them, which included sex and drug parties, to the principal of her school. This intimidation forced the teacher to provide them with food, drinks, taxi rides, and tobacco. Additionally, money was allegedly stolen from her. In January of the following year, investigators revealed that the accused set fire to her apartment while she was abroad.

In court, the defense attorneys for the teenagers denied any allegations of sexual abuse, claiming that all interactions were consensual. The defendants have admitted partial responsibility regarding the thefts and drug use but have contested the more severe allegations.

This high-profile case is drawing significant public and media attention, reflecting ongoing societal concerns about youth crime and the safety of vulnerable individuals in educational environments.