The Viennese police simply let the climate activists persevere

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During the three protracted weeks of protest, Viennese police beat the climate activists at their own game, sometimes not releasing them at all. Viennese state police president Gerhard Pürstl, 60, told ORF that the officials sometimes let the activists sit for a long time. But only if the traffic can still move.

“The police understand climate protection, there is no doubt about that,” Pürstl said. However, in the pasting action, the management had to intervene as soon as large traffic jams arose. It is a citizen’s right to “get from point A to point B”. If you just leave climate activists alone, the “irritation is usually quite big”.

Motorists are also getting in

The Viennese police estimate the extra costs due to the climate stickers this year at two million euros. The officials were trained to remove the people as gently as possible. This year, 231 protesters were arrested, many of them several times.

But drivers will also be held accountable. Five drivers have been charged with attempted bodily harm following attacks on protesters. Pürstl asks drivers to let the police handle the protesters. (gf)

Source: Blick