10 Dec 2021 | 11:45 AM UTC
Austria: Activists to protest against COVID-19 measures in Vienna Dec. 11
Freedom Party of Austria to protest COVID-19 policies at Heldenplatz, Vienna, Austria, 12:00 Dec. 11; disruptions likely, clashes possible.
Event
The opposition Freedom Party of Austria (FPO) has called for a demonstration in central Vienna Dec. 11 to denounce official COVID-19 policies. Participants will gather at 12:00 on Heldenplatz. Related events have been well attended in recent weeks; police will likely deploy in the vicinity and heightened security could prompt localized traffic and public transport disruptions.
While events are likely to pass without major incident, some confrontations are possible. Left-wing groups could hold counterprotests in opposition to the involvement of the right-wing FPO. 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 the protest as a routine security precaution and to mitigate the potential for related disruptions. Allow additional time for travel near Heldenplatz on the afternoon of Dec. 11.
