Former Graz Police Officer Acquitted After Alleged Workplace Plot Costs Her Job

The court delivered what was described as a “clear acquittal,” with Judge Michaela Lapanje ruling that the allegations against the young woman could not be proven beyond doubt.

Although cleared of the criminal charges, the verdict comes too late to save her career. According to Austrian media reports, her temporary contract with the police force was not renewed while the criminal proceedings were ongoing, effectively ending what her lawyer described as her “dream job.”

Alleged Threat

The case centred on a phone conversation between the former officer and a female colleague. Prosecutors alleged that during the call, the accused threatened the colleague by saying her boyfriend would assault her if she did not “watch what she was doing.”

A second police officer claimed she overheard the conversation, supporting the prosecution’s case.

Defence Claims Workplace Intrigue

The defence strongly rejected the allegations, arguing that the case was the result of a deliberate campaign against the accused.

Her lawyer told the court that the criminal complaint formed part of a planned workplace conspiracy, insisting that the accusations were fabricated. He maintained that his client had always dreamed of serving as a police officer and that the proceedings had unfairly destroyed her career.

During the trial, the court also examined additional allegations made by the complainant, including claims that she had been bullied and insulted while on duty.

However, evidence presented during the proceedings reportedly contradicted those claims. Official duty records indicated that the accused was not even on duty at the times some of the alleged incidents were said to have occurred.

New Criminal Investigation

Following the acquittal, the case has taken another dramatic turn.

According to reports, prosecutors have opened new investigations into the complainant and another police officer on suspicion of defamation and giving false testimony. Authorities will now examine whether false allegations were knowingly made during the investigation and court proceedings.

The outcome of the new investigation could determine whether criminal charges are ultimately brought against the two officers.

The case has attracted significant public attention in Austria, raising fresh questions about workplace conflicts within law enforcement agencies, the consequences of unproven criminal allegations, and the impact such cases can have on the careers of young public servants.