Man jailed in Austria for murdering wife in Syria

An Austrian court has sentenced a Syrian man to life in jail for murdering his wife in his homeland in 2011, after Vienna refused to extradite him because of the country's civil war.

Published: 15 September 2016 09:10 CEST

Man jailed in Austria for murdering wife in Syria

Wiener Neustadt court building. Photo: Austrian Justice Ministry

The court in Wiener Neustadt, south of Vienna, found the 49-year-old guilty of shooting his wife three times at point-blank range at their home in the Aleppo region of Syria after she asked for a divorce.

The man also tried to kill their 10-year-old son, but his gun jammed.

He was arrested in Austria on an international arrest warrant issued by Damascus, but Vienna opposed his extradition because of the war raging in Syria.

The Syrian maintains his innocence and has said he plans to launch an appeal.

UPDATED: Vienna police investigating possible 'threat' to Donau Zentrum shopping centre

The Vienna police confirmed they are investigating a non-specified threat to the Donau Zentrum shopping centre, located in the Austrian capital’s 22nd district, a spokesperson told The Local.

On Monday, pictures of an alleged internal document sent by the shopping centre to tenants circulated on social media and messaging apps. The document stated there was a “threat against the Westfield Donau Zentrum for April 30, 2024”. It stated that the authorities had been working to identify suspects since yesterday.

“The source of the threat is a photo circulating online”, the statement said without giving further details. “If we receive additional information or specifications, we will immediately inform you”, it added.

“There is currently no reason for you as an employee to worry as we are strictly following police guidelines”, the document said. It was signed by a manager of the shopping centre. The Local reached out to Donau Zentrum media representatives, who confirmed a threat against the centre.

“The Center Management of Westfield Donau Zentrum can confirm a threat against the center and is in ongoing communication with the relevant authorities. We are taking the situation seriously. The safety of everyone in the center is our top priority. After coordination with the authorities, the center will be open as usual today”, they said.

The Vienna police confirmed the veracity of the statement and added, “We are aware of the matter and are investigating,” they replied after an inquiry on their official social media channels. The Local reached out to the press office for further clarification but has not yet received a response.

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