Peaceful celebrations in Vienna: Syrians cheer despite incidents!

Peaceful celebrations in Vienna: Syrians cheer despite incidents!

Wien, Österreich - in Vienna there was chaotic scenes on Sunday when thousands of Syrians celebrated the news of the supposed end of the civil war in their homeland. While the celebrating crowds moved through the city center, the security authorities had to react to possible riots with increased police contingent. Despite the happy celebrations, the police determined in 50 cases, including suspicion of assault. "Most of the meetings went peacefully," emphasized the police, while mobilizing 100 civil servants to maintain public order, such as Exxpress.at reported. Even if no weapons were ensured, the authorities met with violations of the Pyrotechnics Act and unauthorized drone flights.

demonstrations escalate in the city center

At the same time on Saturday, there were significant riots in Vienna in the context of two opposing demonstrations. While a right-wing extremist group marched under the motto "Remigration", the Antifa activists and counter-demonstrators stood on the other side. The police had to cope with violent clashes with hooded participants who started the officials with stones and bottles, as well as with the use of pepper spray. The police carried out over 100 identity assessments for this incident and temporarily arrested 43 people, as oe24.at . A total of three police officers were injured when the Situation escalated and the law enforcement officers had to intervene to keep the two camps apart.

The tensions between the extreme groups illustrate the increasing polarization in society. Interior Minister Gerhard Karner confirmed the police's determination to act against crimes that are committed during such demonstrations regardless of their political orientation. The events throw a shadow on the security situation in Vienna and show the need for consistent measures against extremism, while political representatives of the Greens and SPÖ have already been critical of the behavior of the identities in advance.