The climate protests in the center of Vienna as part of the European Gas Conference led to huge traffic jams on all access roads around the Parkring. At around 9:15 am, there were violent clashes between the police and an unregistered group of activists. Police also used pepper spray and police dogs to surround the protest group, despite being outnumbered. The actions of the officials led to heavy criticism from the protest movement.
In a broadcast, the environmental protection organization Greenpeace also sharply criticized the Vienna police’s “disproportionately harsh response” to the protest movement. The activists of the “Blockgas” movement and “Don’t Gas Africa” had protested in the street near the Marriott Hotel at the intersection of Johannesgasse and Kantgasse to prevent the conference. “The protest was met with tear gas, encirclement, police dogs and a disproportionate number of police officers,” Greenpeace criticized in a broadcast.
„Peaceful and non-violent protest“
“Peaceful and non-violent protest is a cornerstone of a functioning democracy. The disproportionate action of the police violates fundamental rights. Greenpeace calls on the federal government to investigate the incident independently and to ensure that climate activists are always protected during peaceful protests.
Two police officers were injured
The State Police Directorate wrote on Twitter of “coordinated efforts to penetrate the site”. The activists would also have thrown stones. “Because the participants in this rally obviously want to commit violent acts while at the same time wanting to protect the anonymity of the group, actions are taken in accordance with STPO §274 and the participants are subject to an I-declaration in accordance with StPO.” explains the police on Twitter. During the resistance, two officers were slightly injured.
The European Gas Conference (EGC) should have started behind closed doors on Monday in a Viennese hotel on the Parkring, but was prevented by environmental activists from “BlockGas” and “Don’t Gas Africa” with unregistered meetings. To interrupt this demonstration, the officers used pepper spray, among other things.
Over the next two days, further protests will follow throughout Vienna during the three-day gas conference to draw attention to the climate crisis.
OMV boss shows understanding
OMV boss Alfred Stern, who will give a keynote speech at the Gas Conference in Vienna on Tuesday, shows understanding for the demand for a rapid phasing out of the use of natural gas. Protests by environmentalists should also be possible in a democracy, “as long as they are held in accordance with the law, it is part of our diversity of opinion, which we live and value in a democracy,” said Stern.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
