Former Austrian Finance Minister Faces Justice: Grasser's Appeal Dismissed

Karl-Heinz Grasser, Austria's former finance minister, was sentenced to four years in prison by Austria's top court, which dismissed his appeal on corruption charges. His original sentence was reduced from eight years. Grasser, found guilty in 2020, plans to appeal to the European Court of Human Rights.

Karl-Heinz Grasser, Austria's former Finance Minister, received a four-year prison sentence as the country's top court dismissed his appeal against his 2020 corruption conviction. The Supreme Court cut his original eight-year penalty, highlighting the severity of political accountability.

This case arose from the sale of state-owned homes, where Grasser faced allegations of fraud, illicit gift acceptance, and evidence falsification. He denied these charges, accusing the court of a miscarriage of justice.

Despite his prominent past, including ties to the Swarovski family and serving as finance minister from 2000 to 2007, Grasser plans to challenge the ruling at the European Court of Human Rights.

(With inputs from agencies.)