Fischer-Malina Group Gruppe Fischer-Malina

The Fischer-Malina Group existed in Vienna by February 1942 at the latest, under the leadership of lawyer Rudolf Fischer and Rudolf Malina. 

This Austrian-patriotic group brought together members of the judiciary with opponents of National Socialism within the Wehrmacht. Its verifiable activities centered on uniting like-minded individuals and protecting politically endangered comrades. In February 1942, Josef Zarl introduced the public prosecutor Heinrich Rudolf Lieberich to Rudolf Fischer. Fischer advocated for keeping Heinrich Rudolf Lieberich at the barracks to continue his resistance work and was able to achieve this despite considerable difficulties. Heinrich Rudolf Lieberich also received support from his company commander, Captain Vinzenz Formann, to whom Josef Zarl had likewise recommended him.

Legal assistance for members of the military resistance played an important role. Heinrich Rudolf Lieberich provided legal advice and representation to comrades in his company and advocated on their behalf both at the Regional Court and before the Wehrmacht Court. In the summer of 1942, Josef Zarl also introduced him to his circle of like-minded individuals who belonged to the resistance movement. Personal relationships of trust between court officials, soldiers, and pro-Austrian officers thus made mutual support possible.

Through Rudolf Fischer, there were personal connections to other Austrian resistance circles. He worked in the secret group led by Gottfried Lerch, also known as the Austro-European Resistance (AER); he was also active at the Meidling Barracks and maintained contact with the circle around Major Carl Szokoll. In addition, he collaborated with the “Resistance Hospitals.” 

On April 6, 1945, Rudolf Fischer managed to escape from the General Command. He went into hiding under a false name until the liberation of Austria. To date, there is no confirmed information regarding the formal dissolution of the group.

Members included, among others:

• Rudolf Fischer (leader)
• Dr. Heinrich Rudolf Lieberich
• Rudolf Malina
• Dr. Josef Zarl