Austria: No charges against man who sprayed acid at lesbian MEP at Pride parade
A man who sprayed acid over an Austrian Green MP at a Pride parade will not face charges.
Ulrike Lunacek, who is the head of the Austrian Greens in the European Parliament, was sprayed with butyric acid while giving an interview at the Rainbow Parade in Vienna last month.
Lanacek, who is the country’s first openly gay MEP, miraculously escaped unharmed from the incident, though over €50,000 in damage was caused to the cameras and electronic equipment.
Butyric acid can cause pain, blistering and skin burns, while exposure to the eyes may result in pain, severe deep burns and loss of vision.
However, no charges will be brought against the man for the attack, because no-one was harmed in the incident.
Prosecutor Thomas Vecsey told Österreich: “The culprit is incapable of being held to account, he cannot be prosecuted for his act.”
According to The Local, Lunacek said she reacted with “outrage” when she heard the man would not face charges, and is considering legal action.
Austria will next year play host to the Eurovision Song Contest, following the victory of drag artist Conchita Wurst.
A venue is yet to be chosen, but Vienna is thought to be a contender.
