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Peaceful celebrations in Vienna: Syrians cheer despite incidents!
On December 9, 2024, thousands of Syrians celebrated the end of the civil war in Syria in Vienna, despite isolated incidents.
Peaceful celebrations in Vienna: Syrians cheer despite incidents!
There were chaotic scenes in Vienna on Sunday as thousands of Syrians celebrated the news of the supposed end of the civil war in their homeland. While the celebrating crowds marched through the city center, the security authorities had to respond to possible riots with an increased police presence. Despite the happy celebrations, the police investigated 50 cases, including suspected bodily harm. “Most of the gatherings were peaceful,” the police stressed, while mobilizing 100 officers to maintain public order, as exxpress.at reported. Even though no weapons were seized, the authorities found 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 as part of two opposing demonstrations. While a right-wing extremist group marched under the motto “Remigration,” Antifa activists and counter-demonstrators were on the other side. The police had to deal with violent confrontations with masked participants who attacked the officers with stones and bottles and with the use of pepper spray. In this incident, the police carried out over 100 identity checks and temporarily arrested 43 people oe24.at reported. A total of three police officers were injured when the situation escalated and law enforcement 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 reiterated the police's determination to take action against crimes committed during such demonstrations, regardless of their political orientation. The events cast a shadow on the security situation in Vienna and show the need for consistent measures against extremism, while political representatives from the Greens and SPÖ had already raised critical voices about the behavior of the Identitarians in advance.