For weeks, the pro-Palestinian protests have kept numerous US universities and the country’s authorities on edge. Now activists have also set up tent camps in Vienna. The police are on the scene.
In concrete terms, there are several tents and dozens of people in both the Sigmund Freud Park near the Votivkirche and on the campus of the University of Vienna (Altes AKH) demanding, among other things, ‘freedom for Palestine’ and ‘justice’. According to police, the meeting at Sigmund Freud Park has been officially sanctioned, but the meeting at Old General Hospital has not.
The demands of the demonstrators
“It was a spontaneous meeting with about 100 people. The Vienna Police is already on the scene and is investigating possible measures within the meaning of the Assembly Act,” the Vienna State Police Command told the “Krone” on Monday evening. A little later it was said that no deportation would take place for the time being. This is a relocation of the registered protest. So far the demonstration has been peaceful.
The demands are similar to those in the US: research funding for the arms industry must be stopped (“demilitarization of universities”). Any collaboration with Israeli universities and companies that ‘support’ the war in the Gaza Strip must end.
Polaschek condemns protests
Education Minister Martin Polaschek strongly condemns the “pro-Palestinian protests” at the university, as his spokesman Peter Stöckl explained. “There is no place for anti-Semites and extremists in Austrian universities,” Polaschek said. He condemns all activities and protests that relativize terrorism, stir up hatred and denigrate people. The minister emphasized the federal government’s solidarity with Israel. He was also said to be in contact with Austrian university rectors and university governing bodies about possible protests.
As a result of the Gaza war, protest camps have been set up at numerous universities in the US in recent weeks, demonstrating against Israel and for Palestine. There were also anti-Semitic incidents again.
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.
