Food rescue in the courtroom drama: Is dumpstering a punishable offense?

Food rescue in the courtroom drama: Is dumpstering a punishable offense?

The case of 51-year-old activist Christian A. continues to cause excitement in Vienna. The man considered by many to be a food rescuer was originally sentenced to four weeks in prison for "rescuing" edible food from a supermarket dumpster. This action took place in the early hours of May 11, 2024, when he and a colleague fished out expired food, mainly fruit and vegetables, from an unlocked garbage room. On Thursday there was a new hearing at the Leopoldstadt district court after the verdict was overturned in January today.at reported.

Protest in the courtroom

On the day of the trial, the courtroom was full with around 50 supporters of Christian A., most of whom support the idea that rescuing food from the trash is not theft. Some held signs saying things like “Dumpstering is not theft!” upwards. The accusation of estimating the value of food at 50 euros was described by A. as “absurd”. His lawyer, David Jodlbauer, emphasized that it was legally unclear how such acts should actually be classified.

The atmosphere in the court was sometimes tense, and judge Manuela Turcsanyi threatened to evacuate the court at times when supporters' protests became loud. “This isn’t theater!” she shouted, not wanting to dismiss the discussion about the “right to save trash” as a joke. Ultimately, the earlier ruling was overturned, which caused cheers among those in attendance. Christian A. expressed relief and emphasized: “Saving food should not be a crime,” he said krone.at reported.