The State Police Directorate (LPD) Vienna has banned two demonstrations planned for Saturday in downtown Vienna. The events "Peace and Neutrality! Against the Candy Coalition!" and "Peace and Neutrality!" would not be allowed, the police told the APA.

The reason is that "the right to freedom of trade of the businesses in the Viennese shopping streets and the public interest in unimpeded traffic flow" outweighs the right to assembly.

Vienna Police Prohibit Large Demo for "Peace" on Saturday in Vienna

Several demonstrations had been announced for Saturday, the LPD said. Originally, the initiatives "Fair Thinking" and "Humanity Family" had called for a rally on November 9, but this was postponed after massive protest. The organisers are promoting slogans such as "for our Austria" and are against a government formation without the FPÖ.

Organisers Plan to "Take a Walk" in Vienna Despite Demo Ban

The "Fair Thinking" website also reported the ban on Thursday. Lawyers are to be consulted against the decision. Hopes are pinned on the registration of a new assembly. The site called for people to still travel to Vienna to "take a walk and visit Christmas markets".

The police did not rule out "spontaneous demonstrations". These could possibly be dissolved. Several other assemblies had been registered. These are "mostly rallies with thematically different contents, for which no reason for prohibition was found". This also includes a counter-demonstration at Schwarzenbergplatz. The LPD wants to be prepared: "The Vienna police will be on site with sufficient forces to ensure the maintenance of public order and safety."

(APA/Red)

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