The Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution assumes an increased risk of terrorism at Christmas. Therefore, Austria’s security forces are now particularly protecting Christian events and places of worship.
According to the police, radical Islamists across Europe are calling for attacks on Christian events around December 24th. Churches in Vienna and the federal states, as well as religious events and Christmas markets, are considered particularly at risk. In order to ensure the safety of the population, Austria’s security authorities are increasing precautionary measures in public spaces. For example, endangered objects and places are increasingly monitored or guarded. According to a release, the police are coordinating the specific steps with the organizers and operators of the respective facilities. You have to keep an eye on what is necessary. Take a photo ID with you “There will be increased police precautions over the coming Christmas holidays, especially in patrol and surveillance duty,” explains the police. Both civilian and uniformed emergency services with special equipment and long weapons are in action. In addition, there may be access controls at church services and other events. Visitors are therefore asked to bring a photo ID with them to Christian events and to allow more time than usual.
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