A clip of a speech by Adolf Hitler was blasted out loud during a Kristallnacht commemoration ceremony in the city of Mödling (Lower Austria) on Sunday.
About 50 people were present at the city’s official event, which took place at the former location of the Mödling synagogue, which was burned down during the November pogroms of 1938.
As a piece of music was set to be played as part of the ceremony, the Hitler audio was blasted from a nearby residential building for about one and a half minutes.
City councillor Stephan Schimanova (SPÖ) told Austrian media that it was “extremely loud” and the guests were “speechless.”
“There was a great deal of consternation. It was just sick.”
Austria investigates suspect for playing Hitler speech during Kristallnacht ceremony
The city of Mödling immediately filed a complaint. According to the police, the sound came from an apartment in a nearby residential complex and could be heard for about one to one and a half minutes.
The Wiener Neustadt Public Prosecutor’s Office confirmed to The Jerusalem Post on Thursday that it is investigating a male individual for neo-Nazi activity. It also confirmed that a house search was carried out and evidence was seized but noted that the investigation is not yet complete.
Under Article 3g of the 1947 Prohibition Act, someone who engages in activities relating to National-Socialism sense can be sentenced to up to five years in prison.
If the act is committed in such a way that it reaches many people (i.e., publicly, or broadcast, or via mass access), the penalty rises to 10 years. If there is special danger because of the person or the activity, the penalty is 10 to 20 years’ imprisonment.
The law is aimed at preventing and punishing neo-Nazi activity or “re-engagement” in Nazi ideology in Austria.
The Jerusalem Post reached out to the prosecutor’s office for comment.