29 Jan 2021 | 10:39 AM UTC
Austria: Rival activist groups to protest in central Vienna Jan. 31
Rival activist groups to protest in Vienna, Austria, from 1300 Jan. 31. Increased security, disruptions likely; isolated clashes possible.
Event
Activists against measures introduced to combat the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) plan to protest in central Vienna Jan. 31. Participants will gather at Maria-Theresien-Platz at 1300; attendance is likely to be in the thousands. Due to the regular presence of far-right activists at such demonstrations, anti-fascist groups plan to stage a counterprotest at Schottentor, also beginning at 1300.
Additional police will deploy to monitor the protests and attempt to keep rival activists apart. Large crowds and associated security measures will likely prompt localized transport disruptions in the protest areas. Current COVID-19 measures in Austria place restrictions on public gatherings. Police may preemptively ban one or both of the demonstrations or disperse participants if they are deemed to be breaching the COVID-19 restrictions. Isolated clashes between rival groups of activists are likely should they come into contact.
Advice
Avoid the protests as a routine security precaution and to mitigate associated disruptions. Heed instructions from security services and leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation. Check public transport schedules and local traffic conditions for disruptions before beginning journeys; allow extra time for travel in central Vienna the afternoon of Jan. 31.
