Trial of comedian Gunkl set for October 22

The trial of cabaret performer Günther Paal, known as “Gunkl”, and two women accused of blackmailing him will take place on October 22, ORF reported. Paal faces allegations of sexually abusing a minor and possessing material related to sexual child abuse.

Neither Paal’s lawyer, Florian Horwath, nor Werner Wendt, who represents the two women, objected to the indictment. The trial will therefore go ahead against the 64-year-old performer and the women, aged 42 and 62, who are alleged to have blackmailed him.

Christina Salzborn, a spokesperson for the Vienna Regional Court, said on Friday that all three defendants would be tried together. The hearing is scheduled to last three and a half hours and will take place in the court’s large jury courtroom.

The mother and grandmother of the child Paal is alleged to have abused are accused of aggravated blackmail.