Austrian court clears path for corruption trial against former minister Schelling

The Vienna Higher Regional Court has rejected an appeal by the defense against a 78-page indictment, clearing the way for a corruption trial against industrialist Siegfried Wolf and former Austrian Finance Minister Hans Jörg Schelling.

Court spokesman Max Gruber confirmed the decision, which upholds the charges brought by the Economic Crime and Corruption Prosecution Office. Schelling, a member of the conservative Austrian People's Party, faces charges related to abuse of office, alongside Wolf, who is implicated in the financial corruption investigation.

While the court dismissed the defense's legal challenge to the indictment, the precise location and timing for the upcoming proceedings have not yet been settled.

Sources: Der Standard, ORF.