After seven femicides in the new year and a worrying increase in violent crimes and stabbing attacks, Interior Minister Gerhard Karner reacted immediately and called for a weapons ban across the country. krone.tv asked around Vienna’s Praterstern – a weapons ban zone has been in place here since 2019.
Erich Zankl is a retiree and is on his way to Krems with his wife. He understands: “I think it is good that there is a weapons ban here,” said the 62-year-old. He is against knives and machetes, but understands pepper spray. Even with a national weapons ban, this ranged weapon for self-defense will not fall under the ban.
“As a man I have never had any problems here”
Friedrich Forster is often in the Praterstern. He has never felt unsafe or even threatened here. “As a man I have never had any problems here. Even when there were a lot of alcoholics around, I couldn’t even have a good conversation with them.” But the 71-year-old still had a pocket knife in his pocket.
Student Eris Alinaj also has a knife: “To feel safe as a woman,” said the 18-year-old. Electrician Harald Kronseder has less knowledge about carrying a knife: “What do you need it for? If something happens, the police are there.” His wife disagrees: “I once wore one because my mother wanted me to when I was 18. But I never had to use it.”
Source: Krone
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