Pro-Palestinian demonstrations in Vienna led to criticism on Saturday. Following major attacks by militant Palestinians on Israel, images of a rally in Vienna’s Mariahilfer Strasse circulated on social media, and Palestinian flags were waved at Ballhausplatz.
For example, the deputy mayor of Vienna, Christoph Wiederkehr (NEOS), described the events as “frightening”. The Office for the Protection of the Constitution is closely monitoring the situation, police said. “It is frightening and unacceptable that Hamas’ attacks on Israel are being applauded in Vienna. Our support goes out to the Israeli people in this difficult time!” Wiederkehr said on Twitter.
“Shocked and appalled”
“You should be ashamed! “You do not speak on behalf of us people of Arab/Palestinian descent,” SPÖ National Council member Muna Duzdar wrote on the short message service. FPÖ Mariahilf district party leader Leo Kohlbauer also said in a broadcast that he was “shocked and appalled” are: “It is unbearable that people in the middle of Mariahilferstrasse openly sympathize with brutal murders, desecrations and kidnappings by Muslims against Jews.”
No police intervention necessary
Police said the gatherings were emotional but peaceful and intervention was largely unnecessary. Meetings are generally permitted in Austria and grounds for dissolution are given, for example if a meeting violates criminal law or if holding it endangers public safety or general well-being. In the current situation, this is constantly being looked at.
Increased surveillance
In addition to the monitoring of the situation by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution, all police forces were also informed. The Office for the Protection of the Constitution is in close contact with European and Israeli security authorities and increased surveillance of affected facilities in Vienna and across Austria has been ordered.
Police emphasized that these measures were initiated in the first hours after the attack by the terrorist organization Hamas. The flags and symbols of Hamas or the Lebanese Hezbollah militia, which has now also attacked Israel, are banned in Austria.
Source: Krone
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