Haider Retracts Remark About Jewish Leader
Far-right Austrian governor Joerg Haider has apologized for making derogatory comments about the leader of Vienna’s Jewish community and has withdrawn the remarks.
The out-of-court settlement ends a legal case against Haider, the ex-leader of the Freedom Party, on 14 counts linked to anti-Semitism.
Ariel Muzicant went to court after Haider ridiculed him at a party gathering last year. In a mocking reference to Muzicant’s first name, which is also that of a popular detergent, Haider said: “I don’t understand how someone called Ariel can have so much dirt on his hands.”
In a statement, Haider said he “withdraws” his remarks with “regret and apology.”
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
