Four men were arrested as part of the uncovered attack planning in Europe – they are currently in custody. After the Christmas celebrations, the police positively assessed that the security measures were effective. But they don’t want to make everything clear yet.
Christmas in the federal capital passed off without any major incidents on Sunday. Police spokesman Philipp Haßlinger said the executive’s security measures had come into effect on Monday morning. In recent days it had become known that an attack on St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna was planned.
Terrorists arrested in Ottakring
A decision must be made during the Christmas holidays on whether the four suspects will be placed in pre-trial detention. The suspected terrorists were arrested in Vienna-Ottakring on Saturday. In the course of the official act, a fourth person, already wanted under immigration law, was also arrested and therefore taken into custody. Whether this man has anything to do with the planned crimes remains to be clarified.
Photos: The police had secured St. Stephen’s Cathedral on Christmas Day, among other things.
The terror suspects are in Vienna-Josefstadt prison. The Public Prosecution Service has announced that it will submit requests for pre-trial detention to the State Criminal Court. The investigation is based on terrorist associations (§278b StGB) in connection with terrorist crimes (§278c StGB).
Attacks planned across Europe
The men are said to be part of a radical Islamist network that is said to have planned attacks in Vienna, but also in Cologne and Madrid. There were probably no assassination plans about to be executed, at least in Vienna.
Depending on the situation, the police have tightened security measures. These will remain in place over the Christmas holidays and around New Year’s Eve, especially during patrol and security duties. It is not stated how many additional officials have been or will be deployed for this purpose.
Churches are particularly protected
In addition to uniformed personnel, civilian emergency services with special equipment and long weapons are also on the way at critical points. The police’s attention focuses mainly on churches and religious events, especially church services and Christmas markets.
Source: Krone
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