Austrian comedian Günther Paal faces sexual abuse trial and alleged extortion charges

In a Vienna criminal proceeding, comedian Günther Paal is accused of sexually abusing a three-year-old girl by kissing her genitals without using force, an act that left the child unharmed and was witnessed by the child's mother and grandmother. Prosecutors also allege that Paal owned photographs and videos of the incident. The mother and daughter, both from Slovakia, face charges of serious extortion for demanding money and threatening to ruin Paal's reputation.

The daughter, K., was arrested at Vienna's main train station, while the mother, L., was detained later in a separate operation. Both women are being held in custody on suspicion of flight and re-offence risk, whereas Paal, who turned himself in, is not subject to pre-trial detention. The court will decide on guilt and possible sentences ranging from months to years in prison.