Man (30) arrested

Opernball demonstration: car damaged, police officer injured

(Bild: krone.tv)

Around 150 people had gathered on Thursday evening for the Opernball demonstration of the Communist Youth Austria. One person was arrested as the protest march moved towards the Opernring. The reason: damage to property and an injured police officer. 

The 30-year-old is said to have kicked down a side mirror of a parked car during the demonstration. Witnesses observed the incident and informed the officers directly at the scene. 

Police officer punched in the face
The police officers confronted the demonstrator and the man is said to have punched the officers and injured a police officer in the face. The 30-year-old was then provisionally arrested and later released.

Anti-Semitic slogans at demonstration
Pro-Palestinian activists were also among the participants at the Opernball demonstration on Thursday evening. Eyewitnesses reported that various anti-Semitic slogans were also heard. 

The police had already cordoned off the Ring and the surrounding streets near the opera house in advance to ensure that the ball guests could arrive without disruption. As a result, there were no encounters between the demonstrators and visitors to the festival.