Austria : 15 Arrests Following Anti-LGBT+ Attacks
Austria : 15 Arrests Following Anti-LGBT+ Attacks
A Network of Violence Uncovered
Austrian law enforcement arrested 15 individuals on Friday suspected of violently assaulting people based on their sexual orientation. These arrests come amid a surge in anti-LGBT+ incidents across Europe. According to a statement from the Styrian police (southeastern Austria), the suspects lured their victims using "fake profiles" created on dating platforms. The first warning about this modus operandi was issued in July 2024.
Planned Attacks of Extreme Violence
Operating in groups and often hiding behind masks, the attackers struck at night, inflicting severe injuries on their victims. Investigators have also reported an attempted murder. Beyond physical abuse, the perpetrators humiliated their targets by recording videos of the assaults and sharing them online.
A False Justification to Conceal Homophobic Crimes
The suspects claimed they were conducting "vigilante justice" against pedophiles. However, Austrian police emphasized that these acts specifically targeted the gay community. Authorities believe the actual number of victims may be much higher than the 17 officially reported cases, as many survivors hesitate to come forward.
A Large-Scale Operation to Dismantle the Network
More than 400 police officers were involved in raids across 23 locations, leading to the seizure of weapons and Nazi-related items. The arrested suspects—12 men and 3 women aged between 14 and 26—are of Austrian, German, Croatian, Romanian, and Slovak nationalities.
A Worrying Rise in Anti-LGBT+ Violence
Statistics from 2023 show a significant increase in assaults against sexual minorities in Austria, mirroring a broader trend observed across Europe, according to a report by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA). This surge in violence aligns with the growing influence of far-right movements on the continent.
A Complex Historical and Political Context
Austria, long influenced by the Catholic Church and conservative politics, has been slow to recognize LGBT+ rights. Following the Nazi era, where homosexuals were persecuted, major progress was made, including the legalization of same-sex marriage and adoption in 2019, a change imposed by the Supreme Court. Today, these rights enjoy broad public acceptance.
A Call to Action Against Hate
Amid rising attacks, the Austrian government has reaffirmed its commitment to combating hate and violence targeting LGBT+ individuals, urging greater vigilance and stronger actions against these crimes.
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