Balance after the demo Saturday in Vienna, which, as reported, was relatively quieter than in the past: 40 meetings were registered on that day, four had already been prohibited in advance. There was still enough for the police officers to do: According to the Interior Ministry, 747 people were identified, 481 reports and eleven arrests were counted.
The executive had paid particular attention to a demonstration in Resselpark. Several hundred participants had gathered there to protest against the corona measures. On the part of the organizers, there were several announcements to keep your distance and it was also pointed out to the wearing of a mask, it was said by the executive on Saturday. This request was also followed relatively well.
Demo train route caused criticism
However, the route of the demo train, which ultimately led to the Augarten and thus to the Jewish quarter, had already caused criticism in advance. In view of the incidents on Friday in Mauthausen and the fact that hooligans, “lateral thinkers” and right-wing extremists could possibly take part in the demo – as in previous demos – many had viewed this as extremely critical. But shortly after 5 p.m. the meeting broke up.
Large contingent at the State Opera
Another large-scale deployment of the executive took place around 5 p.m. at the State Opera. Several hundred people demonstrated against anti-Semitism there against the background of the conflicts in the Middle East. However, there were disruptive actions in the form of chants from counter-demonstrators. As a result, they had to be kept at a distance by numerous police officers.
At a displayed rally in the Danube Park, the majority of the participants are said to have not kept the minimum distance and the FFP2 mask requirement. “Here, too, the police consistently intervened,” said a spokesman. In the area of the Urania / Weißgerberlände a group from Extinction Rebellion gathered for a spontaneous rally for more environmental protection and blocked the road. The rally was finally dissolved peacefully, the obstacles removed – using a chainsaw, among other things – and some activists allowed themselves to be carried away.
The balance of the demo Saturday in Vienna
According to the Interior Ministry’s balance sheet on Sunday, it was on Saturday 747 people were identified, 481 reports, including more than 400 for violations of the Epidemic and COVID-19 Measures Act, were filed and 11 participants in the rally were arrested. Ten arrests were made under the Administrative Penal Act, and one arrest was pronounced under the Code of Criminal Procedure.
Interior Minister Karl Nehammer (ÖVP) emphasized “the complexity of police action” on Sunday. “Demonstrations by opponents of the measures necessary to contain the corona pandemic were followed by gatherings with anti-Israel agitations – combined with counter-rallies at the same time.” to be able to guarantee ”, as Nehammer said.
“Yesterday’s gatherings demanded more sensitivity from the police officers deployed and, at the same time, consistency when intervening.”