02 Feb 2018 | 08:57 PM UTC
Austria: Pro-Kurdish demonstration in Vienna on February 3
Pro-Kurdish demonstration to take place in Vienna on February 3; avoid all protests
Event
Security officials expect thousands of pro-Kurdish demonstrators to rally in Vienna beginning at 15:30 (local time) on Saturday, February 3. Demonstrators are reportedly planning to march through Mariahilfer Straße, Kaiserstraße, Burggasse and Bellariastraße, before arriving at Heldenplatz at approximately 18:00.
A heightened security presence and transportation disruptions are expected in the vicinity of the demonstration. According to officials, tram lines 1, 2, 5, 71, and D will likely experience delays and disruptions.
Context
Members of the Kurdish community are holding demonstrations to protest an ongoing Turkish military operation in Syria, which was launched on Sunday, January 21. That operation is targeting the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) in the Afrin region of Syria.
Advice
Individuals in Vienna are advised to avoid any demonstrations as a precaution, to anticipate transportation disruptions, and to report any suspicious behavior or objects to the police.
