After a violent mass brawl with 60 people in the Graz city park and other escapades, the police are now intensifying their controls there. The officials are mainly relying on de-escalation. Hundreds of people gathered again in the city park on Friday evening, and loudspeakers were taken out of service after bottle-throwing and mobbing.
Picnicking, having a drink, enjoying the peace and quiet and the greenery: those who behave in a civilized manner won’t cause any problems. But especially since Corona, neighbors have been complaining about noise and dirt, the Graz city park remains like a garbage can after the meetings of huge groups.
Only recently did the situation escalate: 60 people got into a fight near the passport office. The brave climbed the big cross and made a lot of noise.
Police no longer want to allow groups
The Styrian police no longer just want to let go. The officials carried out checks on Friday. The “Krone” accompanied them in their official acts.
“We want to ensure peace and order, but there is a risk of noise and there is a lot of alcohol consumption,” says police spokesman Heimo Kohlbacher at the beginning of the priority control. It starts shortly after 10 p.m., the “Krone” reporters stay close to the officers.
The police officers control the safety distances, a manhunt for bodily harm has already started. “The most important thing is proportionality,” says the spokesman. “It’s already a major mission. A focus control. ”But you understand the need of young people to want to go outside.
The mood is heated from the beginning, some party tigers flee because the police are encircling them from two sides. “It smells like hash,” our reporter remarks, sniffing.
As soon as the officers arrive at the center of the party, boos are loud. After a few minutes of the raid, the police had to withdraw because the first bullets and bottles were flying through the night sky. They are waiting for reinforcements. “We have to look at our own safety!”
Loudspeaker withdrawn from service
After the withdrawal, the officers equipped themselves with better protective equipment. Some speakers are being phased out to ease the situation. “It’s calmer now, a lot of people have gone home. We mainly focus on dialogue and de-escalation, but if someone throws bottles at colleagues, then we have to make it clear: It doesn’t work like that, ”says the head of operations.