Ban of knife in Vienna: feeling of security or just illusion?

Diskussion über das Messerverbot in Wien Favoriten: Sicherheit, Kontrollen und betroffene Anwohner im Fokus.
Discussion about the ban on knife in Vienna Favorites: security, controls and affected residents in focus. (Symbolbild/ANAGAT)

Ban of knife in Vienna: feeling of security or just illusion?

Favoriten, Österreich - The discussion about the ban on the knife in Vienna picks up speed. In the lively area around Reumannplatz in favorites, residents and those responsible express their opinions on the new security measures. The KURIER reports that the state police president Gerhard Pürstl, who emphasizes the preventive character of the ban. According to Pürstl, the general ban on knife in public spaces should provide more security, especially in social hotspots such as inner favorites.

Not everyone is convinced of the measures. A Tyrolean resident, Armin Leitner, shares his concerns about the control of the ban and is particularly concerned about his safety when he is traveling with his expensive watch in the evening. He describes how the tight living conditions often lead to conflicts. In addition, the florist Christine Thuniot reports about groups of young Syrians and Afghans who gather near their business. Such observations seem to strengthen the concerns of the residents.

cities in change

The situation in Vienna is not alone. In other cities such as Stuttgart, there are also knife and weapon bans, which are controversial. A survey by the AfD parliamentary group has shown that the effectiveness of such prohibition zones is often questioned. Despite the legal requirements, there were always knife attacks in public space - a tragic example of this is the death of a police officer in Mannheim, which was stabbed within a ban on weapons.

Austrian domestic policy has also dealt with it. Interior Minister Gerhard Karner already announced in March 2024 that a general ban on weapons will be sought in public space. The focus is on inadmissible types of knife, while carrying “Swiss meals” and pepper sprays for self -defense remains unpunished. The BMI emphasizes that this ban should also serve to protect people from violence.

conflicts in everyday life

Despite these measures, the situation remains tense. Physics student Daniel Weidinger reports on his neighbor's relative fear, who notices the police presence, but sees conflicts as a frequent appearance. According to the authorities, 174 weapons, including 121 knives, have been confiscated by the end of May. Interestingly

The high penalties for violations of the weapon application law, which are up to 1,000 euros and can even rise to 4,500 euros for repeat offenders, could not stand in the way of a further increase in security in Vienna. However, it remains to be seen whether the newly introduced knife ban actually shows the desired effect or whether it remains just a further attempt to improve the legal situation in an increasingly conflicting society.

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OrtFavoriten, Österreich
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