Citizen's Guard in Linz? Police warn "anyone who wants to spread insecurity here"

Citizen's Guard in Linz? Police warn "anyone who wants to spread insecurity here"

LINZ. "Vikings Security Austria" is the name of a group that searches for activists on Facebook and wants to patrol as an activist via Linz – the police want to control them.

The security situation is very good, leaders should continue to trust the police. Image: Weihbold

These are martial images used by a group called "Vikings Security Austria" on Facebook to search for activists among activists of a self-proclaimed militant: shaved, muscular men in leather jackets are more scary than creating a feeling of security.

But that's precisely why it's supposed to work. "Through presence in the streets" should "help the seekers" and "security must be taught", write to the Vikings and look for volunteers for patrols planned this weekend (Saturday from midday to midnight Sunday) in Linz. Where exactly, will not betray. To "avoid any provocation against us, places are only communicated to active participants".

Police monitor and warn

But who is behind these activities? "We do not know it yet," police spokesman David Furtner said. "It can be a fun person or a group that plans activities." (reported by nachrichten.at)

The fact that the Vikings realize that security in Linz is not far, exasperates the executive. "The security situation is extremely good and stable, and the police should be allowed to do their job and continue to trust them," Furtner said. Even though there have been many attempts in the past to set up vigilance groups: "All activities have fallen asleep after a few weeks," says Furtner.

If this weekend, as announced on Facebook, travel to Linz, "watch for it, we will control anyone who wants to spread a sense of insecurity and determine their identity," said Furtner. Because that's exactly what it is, "what these ladies and gentlemen do not like". The executive is not on alert, quite the opposite: "We will approach the issue calmly".

Who is really behind the Vikings, remains hidden for the moment. According to OÖN-research, no badociation with this name has been registered in Upper Austria, nor is there any company with that name. The police are always vigilant and observe the activities on this Facebook page "very precise". It is not possible to identify the militants in the short term, because it would be necessary to contact Facebook, it will not be so fast, "said Furtner.Also with the Bavarian colleagues, where the group should have been active there are some time, "we asked, but we did not receive an answer".

The Vikings would have their headquarters in Donaustauf, a small community near Regensburg. The comrades in Germany call themselves "Vikings Security Germania". They are presumed to be activists of the far right "Identity Movement". The fact that "Vikings Austria" indicates the name of an administrator with links to identities is an indication, says retired detective Uwe Sailer, a connoisseur of the scene of right-wing extremists. The proximity of identities that he could "neither confirm nor exclude". The link with right-wing extremism is clear: "The police are too weak, security can no longer guarantee: this scary scenario is fueled by far-right groups".

What can a vigilante do – and what not

Linz prosecutor Philip Christl warns against the arbitrary intervention of civilians. Those who arrest the perpetrator of an act of reparation should only detain him "reasonably" in the sense of the general law of detention until the arrival of the police. Those who go beyond the limits are punishable. A citizen does not have more control than a ticket inspector, according to Christl. The limits of the law of self-defense are also strict.

"The uninitiated are certainly more difficult with the risk badessment than professionals, you present yourself as a vigilante who threatens to hurt you," warns the prosecutor.

View Comments »