Only recently did intelligence chief Omar Haijawi-Pirchner warn in the “Krone” of radical Islamists and right-wing extremists willing to attack Christmas markets. Interior Minister Gerhard Karner (ÖVP) and Viennese police chief Gerhard Pürstl received a picture of the situation with the “crown” on Friday.
A thick cloud cover has hung over Vienna for days, an icy wind blows over the Rathausplatz – and yet in the late morning crowds of international and domestic tourists flock to the Christmas market on the Rathausplatz over the long weekend. That is no wonder, as Interior Minister Gerhard Karner (ÖVP) confirms when he arrives in front of the town hall after his short walk on Herrengasse. “The Christmas markets are more crowded than in a long time,” many families are said to enjoy their days off at these markets after the pandemic-related break.
Islamists and right-wing extremists ‘ready for attacks’
And yet the head of the Directorate of State Security and Intelligence (DSN), Omar Haijawi-Pirchner, issued a disturbing warning a few days ago. There are “double-digit” threats from the radical Islamic, but also right-wing milieu. They would be ready to attack Christmas markets. It is true that at the moment there is no concrete terrorist threat – and yet: the monitoring of the Advent markets in the country has been intensified. Uniformed and civilian officials take particular care to protect visitors from pickpockets or aggressive beggars.
Peace and caution despite an elevated risk situation
About 110 police officers would also be on duty on any busy day. Incidentally, preparations are also being made for prevention with regard to the threat of terrorism. Because there is a generally heightened risk situation all over Europe in the run up to Christmas. At the local inspection “Krone” on Friday, the high risk is not much noticeable.
The minister and his chief of police leisurely strolled through the stands and even took the time to talk to the employees and have a children’s punch with the journalists present. It is felt that the police will not underestimate the potential danger. The memories of the attack two years ago are still too fresh.
Source: Krone
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