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Acquitted in doubt: Ex-director of Vienna senior residence cleared
🇦🇹 Austria /Crime & Justice

Acquitted in doubt: Ex-director of Vienna senior residence cleared

From Die Presse · () German

Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • A former director of a Viennese senior residence was acquitted of charges of endangering residents through organizational deficiencies.
  • The court could not establish with sufficient certainty that the accused committed a crime, despite noting numerous shortcomings like understaffing and hygiene issues.
  • The verdict is not legally binding, and the case highlighted broader concerns about the quality of care in an aging society.

A former director of a Viennese senior residence, accused of endangering vulnerable residents through systematic neglect, has been acquitted.

But you had the ultimate responsibility there.

— JudgeThe judge explained the former director's accountability for identifying and reporting deficiencies.

The court cited insufficient evidence to prove criminal wrongdoing, despite acknowledging significant organizational failures within the now-defunct facility. These included chronic understaffing, inadequate hygiene, and documentation problems, which the judge described as "appalling," especially for an aging society.

The prosecution alleged that the director, responsible for "ultimate responsibility," failed to provide necessary resources for proper care between January 2019 and August 2022. However, contradictory witness statements and expert testimony left the court unable to definitively link the alleged neglect to the residents' poor health.

You had the ultimate responsibility there.

— JudgeThe judge explained the former director's accountability for identifying and reporting deficiencies.

The accused had denied the charges, stating her role was purely administrative and that she lacked a nursing background. She claimed she was not informed of the need to manage nursing care directly. The CEO of the German-based parent company testified that the director was indeed responsible for all areas, as per her job description.

This is appalling, especially as society is getting older.

— JudgeThe judge commented on the broader implications of the case for the care sector.

While the director was acquitted, the trial brought to light systemic issues within the care sector. The verdict is not yet final.

I was only responsible for the commercial aspects.

— Former DirectorThe accused stated her role was limited to administrative duties.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Die Presse in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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