Timeline
In the smuggling trial involving six Syrians, one of the defendants said on Tuesday that he could no longer remember his confession. During interrogation, he admitted that he and other suspects had smuggled more than 200 migrants and asylum seekers to and through Austria.
09/19/2023 2:57 pm
Online since today, 2:57 pm
According to the indictment, the men received 600 euros per person and stage. Lawyers say the self-confessed Syrian may have been intimidated and threatened in prison.
Apparently threats when confessing
After a confession, all it takes in prison is for one inmate to say to another: “Your mother is fine.” That threat alone could silence someone, lawyers said at the trial Tuesday.
The alleged smugglers, who are believed to be part of the network, found themselves back in custody in Salzburg prison. The defendant, who admitted everything before the trial and blamed others, no longer remembers anything.
Distribution of roles within the gang
In the case of the six defendants, the question is who carried out subordinate activities and who planned and organized them. The subtenant of an apartment in Linz testified that up to 60 people stayed for a short time with one of the defendants.
After that, they were apparently smuggled out.
According to experts, most international trafficking gangs are based in Turkey. It takes 10,000 euros or more per person to bring migrants from Syria to the West. One stage costs around 600 euros.
Negotiations are still ongoing.