Austria: COVID-19 gatherings schedued in Vienna Dec. 18-19

Event

Activists plan to demonstrate in Vienna Dec. 18 to denounce official COVID-19 policies. Participants will either gather at the Pestsaule at 13:00 and march to the Volksgarten via the Hofburg Palace and Ballhausplatz, or they will gather at 18:00 in Prater Park. In addition, a memorial gathering will take place along the Vienna Ring Road from 18:30 Dec. 19

In recent weeks, related events have been well attended; police will likely deploy in the vicinity, and heightened security could prompt localized traffic and public transport disruptions. While all the events are likely to pass without major incidents, some confrontations are possible on Dec. 18. The involvement of right-wing groups and parties in the anti-COVID restrictions movement could prompt counterprotests near any related demonstrations. Isolated scuffles are possible if protesters attempt to breach police cordons or rival activists come into contact. While bystanders are unlikely to be targeted in any violence, they would face a significant incidental threat.

Advice

Avoid any protest as a routine security precaution and to mitigate the potential for related disruptions. Allow additional time for travel near any gatherings and check the route status of the Vienna Ring Road before setting out on the evening of Dec. 19.