Palestinian Flags Hoisted: Activists Entered ORF in Innsbruck
A group of pro-Palestinian activists entered the regional studio of ORF Tirol on Innsbruck's Rennweg on Friday morning. There, the nine suspects climbed onto the roof, hoisted Palestinian flags, and protested against what they perceived as non-objective reporting. When they refused to end their unauthorized action, the activists were ultimately arrested shortly before noon, a police spokesperson told APA.
The special task force Cobra was also deployed, mainly due to the dangerousness of the situation, as four alleged occupiers were on the roof at the antenna platform. Investigations regarding possible criminal offenses against those involved will now follow. Meanwhile, an unregistered demonstration took place in front of the building, involving around ten people. The action resulted in a large police presence.
ORF Tirol Editor-in-Chief commented
ORF Tirol Editor-in-Chief Georg Laich told APA that the activists stormed into the building. They then spoke with them, "received their concerns," and emphasized that ORF does indeed report in a balanced manner on the Middle East and Gaza conflict. They then asked the occupiers to leave the building, which did not happen voluntarily. The broadcasting operation was not affected due to the security measures in the building.
"Freedom for Palestine"
The activists on the roof were almost entirely covered with Palestinian scarves. They hoisted a large flag and next to it a smaller one with the inscription "Occupied". Bengal lights were also lit and "Freedom for Palestine" was chanted.
The activists had already spoken out via email shortly after the start of the action. The group spoke of 14 members who had "occupied" ORF Tirol.
"After almost two years of genocide in Palestine, we have decided to occupy the Austrian Broadcasting Corporation in Tirol. With this, we accuse the Austrian state and the Austrian press of their complicity," said the occupiers in a statement available to the APA. They demand a stop to the "trivialization of the genocide in the Gaza Strip by the media". The ORF must label the Israeli actions as "genocide". Additionally, they oppose the "distortion of the term anti-Semitism": "Austria's complicity in the Holocaust must not be used to justify the genocide in Gaza."
Tirol's Security Councillor Reacted
A sharp reaction came from Tirol's Security Councillor Astrid Mair (ÖVP). The right to free expression and peaceful demonstration is indeed a cornerstone of our democracy, Mair explained, but: "The unauthorized entry into public buildings clearly crosses a red line. This action is to be condemned in the strongest terms. Such actions not only endanger public order but also undermine the credibility of legitimate concerns."
(APA/Red)
This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.