Even before the explosive fire operation, there were frequent problems over the past year around the constantly overcrowded asylum center in Steyregg (Upper Austria). According to a parliamentary question from the FPÖ, no fewer than 90 police operations took place there last year. 14 young people have now been transferred and the healthcare staff has more than doubled.
The asylum accommodation in a former hotel in Steyregg became known throughout Austria shortly after Christmas. During a fire operation, firefighters were harassed by young asylum seekers. The police had to leave, no one was injured in the incident, but there were heated discussions and even a crisis summit.
29 questions for the Minister of the Interior
The case was also used as an opportunity to ask a parliamentary question to Interior Minister Gerhard Karner (ÖVP). FPÖ State Councilor Hannes Amesbauer asked the minister no fewer than 29 questions about the situation surrounding the asylum seeker center. Now the answers are here, and they are quite interesting.
This shows that the house was in fact constantly overcrowded in 2023. Actually, a maximum of 60 residents would be admitted, but that was only the case between June 1 and July 15. In the remaining months there were up to 150 young people in Steyregg. A total of 636 male people were received during the year; since July it has mainly been unaccompanied minors.
There were constant problems
But the residents cause problems all year round. Because as the answer from the Minister of the Interior shows, there were a total of 90 police operations in 2023.
Property damage and dangerous threats
The reasons for the officers’ arrival range from delivering reports of damage to property, disruption of order, dangerous threats to the operation to the December 27 dumpster fire, which harassed young firefighters and hindered firefighting efforts. There were even 16 officers on duty at the time.
13 arrests
There were 13 arrests during a total of 90 police operations, ten of which were for “executing arrest warrants from the Federal Office for Immigration and Asylum”. In addition, “a total of seven administrative violations and 36 violations under the Criminal Code have been reported in 2023,” the response said. Following the incident shortly after Christmas, a total of fourteen young people were transferred to federal districts outside Upper Austria.
But the request also shows one thing: the promised increase in the number of healthcare staff has happened. While there were only 13 employees in 2023, this has increased to 28 since January 1.
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.
