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Vienna’s law enforcement successfully thwarted attempts to interrupt the New Year’s Day concert at the Musikverein. Individuals protesting Covid-19 restrictions aimed to create a cacophony during the performance.
Authorities confirmed that in recent days, calls circulated among Covid-19 regulation opponents to disrupt the New Year’s concert using drums, sirens, whistles, and other noisemakers. A substantial police presence ensured the event proceeded without incident.
Preventive measures, including security cordons, were put in place to deter the formation of an unsanctioned assembly. Any significant noise beyond ordinary city sounds risked disrupting, and potentially halting, the Musikverein performance.
Noisemakers Confiscated
Police reported that approximately 40 individuals, in small clusters, sought to stage an unauthorized demonstration outside the Wiener Musikverein before and during the concert. Officers temporarily seized drums and loudspeakers from these individuals. According to Police Chief Gerhard Pürstl, all attempts to disrupt the event were effectively stopped, ensuring a seamless concert.