Pro-Palestine activists hijack demonstration in Vienna – 15 arrests!

Pro-Palestine activists hijack demonstration in Vienna – 15 arrests!

There were turbulent scenes in Vienna-Simmering on September 24, 2025, when pro-Palestine activists took over a registered KPÖ demonstration against a drone symposium. The rally, which originally brought together around 100 participants, was intended to protest against the military buildup and the war. But some of the activists joined the group and shouted slogans that could result in criminal prosecution. This was reported by the Small newspaper in a recent article.

Police spokesman Philipp Haßlinger informed that after the meeting was broken up, 15 people were arrested who refused to reveal their identities. “Haidestrasse was closed during the operation,” said Haßlinger. The KPÖ meeting leader decided to end the official protest early after around 60 activists formed an unannounced meeting and tried to get to the symposium site via a back entrance. The police had to stop these plans.

Protests in Austria: A look at the past

These incidents are part of a larger trend of political protests in Austria. People have been engaging in various forms of protest for two decades. Political scientist Martin Dolezal is dealing with these developments in a research project and analyzing over 8,500 protest events between 1998 and 2016. The University of Vienna highlights that political protest is deeply rooted in Austrian society, with social, economic and environmental issues often at the forefront.

Political resistance in Austria takes many forms, from demonstrations and signature collections to squats. Dolezal emphasizes that despite the frequent reports of disillusionment with politics, there is no decline in political participation. Violence during protests is generally low in Austria, as long as clear political demands can be identified.

Disturbances and conflicts characterize events

There were reports of clashes and disruptions at the demonstration in Vienna. The police were well prepared and present to control the situation. Dolezal also said that the ÖVP-FPÖ government is the focus of many protests. In recent years, left-wing groups in particular have increasingly mobilized for social justice and environmental issues.

The current situation shows once again how important protests are in a democratic society. Whether against drone symposiums or for social causes, raising your voice is part of political life in Austria. It is therefore to be hoped that developments surrounding political demonstrations will continue to be followed closely in the coming months.