Nazi restitution fraud case stirs anger at Vienna court

VIENNA (Reuters) - A journalist critical of Austria's record in returning Jewish property seized by the Nazis failed on Friday to gain his freedom after conviction on charges he defrauded the state in illicitly increasing his mother's claim on a building.

Disappointed at an appeal ruling, allies of Stephan Templ shouted "Nazi state" and "Aryanization" at judges in a crowded courtroom. Templ, who co-wrote a book in 2001 listing Jewish properties looted by Austrian Nazis and never returned, alleges Austria is punishing him for his criticism.