Viennese New Year's Eve: Massive security precautions against extremism!

Viennese New Year's Eve: Massive security precautions against extremism!

Wien, Österreich - In Austria, preparations for the turn of the year are in full swing. Despite the lack of concrete threats, as Interior Minister Gerhard Karner explained, the risk situation remains high. In particular, experiences from past incidents, such as the attack in Magdeburg, lead to increased security precautions. The police will do everything in their power to ensure the safety of the population, said Karner in a press conference. Central focus is on combating extremism as well as identifying and preventing potentially endangering people.

massive police presence for New Year's Eve

A large contingent of security forces is planned for New Year's Eve. Special and special units will be present directly in public space, similar to the Christmas markets. According to Weekend.at Vienna will be the center of the measures where around one million visitors are expected on the New Year's Eve path. The police are acting with open controls, as well as hidden investigators and modern technical means such as drones to recognize potential threats at an early stage.

Additional attention applies to the handling of illegal fireworks. Minister Karner warned that the use of illegal firecrackers are not a “laus boys' pranks”, but can become increasingly dangerous. Around 10,000 illegal fireworks have been confiscated since November to avoid accidents. The police will also be harder against illegal trade and users of dangerous pyrotechnics, with penalties up to 10,000 euros for dealers and 3,600 euros for users of illegitimate fireworks, such as 5min.at reported. These strict measures are intended to significantly increase security on New Year's Eve.