Austria: Activists to demonstrate at Heldenplatz in Vienna Jan. 6

Event

Activists affiliated with the Association for Direct Democracy by Referendum plan to demonstrate in central Vienna from 13:00 Jan. 10. Participants will gather at Heldenplatz in front of the Hofburg Palace and march along the Ringstrasse. The group is gathering to protest various government policies, including immigration. It is unclear how many participants the demonstration will attract; however, thousands are likely to participate, given the previous gatherings of a similar nature.

Police will likely deploy to monitor and facilitate the action. The demonstration and associated security measures will probably prompt localized transport disruptions along the march route; public transport services in the surrounding area could be canceled or diverted. While the demonstration is likely to pass peacefully, isolated clashes between demonstrators and security services cannot be ruled out.

Advice

Avoid the demonstration as a routine security precaution and to mitigate the impact of associated disruptions. Heed instructions from security services and leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation. Check for disruptions and allow extra time for travel in the affected area Jan. 6.