Austria: Protests to take place against the annual Akademikerball in central Vienna, Feb. 23-24

Event

Protesters plan to gather in central Vienna, Feb. 23-24, to demonstrate against the annual Akademikerball. The ball will take place from 19:30 Feb. 24 in the Hofburg. Left-wing groups denounce the ball as a right-wing event; this year there is added tension because of the planned attendance of the Russian delegation to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). Local authorities state that 10 demonstrations have been registered. The largest two events are likely to be:

• Feb. 23: Anti-fascist groups plan to rally at Schottentor from 18:30

• Feb. 24: Activists will gather in Sigmund-Freud-Park at Schottentor from 18:00 before marching to the Hofburg.

Organizers estimate that several thousand people will attend the demonstrations. Authorities will partially close the ring road from 16:30 Feb. 24, affecting tram services. Other routes will be closed from 17:00 around the Hofburg.

Police will likely deploy in large numbers to the events. Road closures will likely cause localized travel disruptions. In previous years, protesters have clashed with police; scuffles cannot be ruled out.

Advice

Avoid all protests as a routine security precaution. Follow local travel and security advice. Allow additional time for travel in central Vienna during the affected period. In the event of violence, withdraw from the area.