Austria: Rival protests to take place in Vienna June 19

Event

Conservative activists plan to protest in central Vienna June 19 over a range of social issues. Participants at the event, titled the "March for the Family", will gather at 14:00 on Stephansplatz before marching to Ballhausplatz. The event will coincide with Vienna’s annual Pride parade, which will take place on Ringstrasse 13:00-18:30; pro-LGBTQ rights and anti-fascist groups plan to stage counterprotests in the vicinity of the March for the Family.

The demonstrations are likely to be well attended. Additional police will deploy to monitor the protests and attempt to keep rival activist groups apart. Large crowds and associated security measures will likely prompt localized transport disruptions in protest areas. Public transport services may be canceled or diverted; rail operators are anticipating increased use of their services by activists traveling to attend the demonstration, possibly resulting in increased crowding and disruptions at stations. Current COVID-19 measures in Austria restrict public gatherings. Police may preemptively ban demonstrations or attempt to disperse participants if they are deemed to be breaching COVID-19 restrictions. Isolated clashes between police and protesters or rival groups of activists are possible.

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 June 19.