Hate Crime in Salzburg: Police in Action, Similar Incidents Already Two Years Ago

According to the report by "Salzburg24", the Styrian police confirmed four operation locations in Salzburg, but there are no further details about the locations and suspects for tactical investigation reasons.

"The Shame Belongs on the Perpetrator's Side": Similar Incidents Two Years Ago in Salzburg, No Reports

According to Conny Felice, chairwoman of HOSI Salzburg, a series of similar incidents are said to have occurred in Salzburg two years ago. There were assaults in the city center and the adjacent Andrä district, but no case was reported to the police at that time. "The fear of being outed or that nothing will happen after a report deters many," said Felice. "The shame must finally change sides, because it does not belong on the victim's side, but on the perpetrator's side," said the chairwoman last weekend on ORF Salzburg. There should be no more looking away, said Felice.

With AI and Police Consultations Against Hate Crime in Salzburg

To counter hate against homosexual and transgender people online, HOSI Salzburg launched a pilot project just a few weeks ago, in which an app uses artificial intelligence to automatically respond to hate comments. The organization also offers police consultations. "They are intended to help reduce fears of contact," said the chairwoman.

18 Arrests in Styria, Officials Speak of a "Division of Labor" Among Perpetrators

In the investigations led by the Graz public prosecutor's office and the Styrian State Criminal Police Office, there are currently no new developments, as spokespeople for both offices said on Monday upon request. So far, there have been 18 arrests, and pre-trial detention has been imposed on 13 suspects. House searches were conducted in 26 cases. No further victims have come forward to the authorities so far. It is assumed that during the evaluation of the extensive data material, further affected individuals might be discovered. One can certainly assume a certain "command structure" and "division of labor approach" within the perpetrator group, said a police officer. "Tasks" were distributed, and women also participated, it was said.

(APA/Red)

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