VIENNA (Sputnik) — Violence broke out after a march of a thousand "identitarian" movement members spontaneously changed the agreed route and clashed with a rival demonstration held by anti-fascists.
"A total of 13 people were wounded, including four police officers," Vienna police said in a press release.
@OnlineMagazin 🆘‼🐸😎 Today in Vienna: Identitarian movement protest against open borders. pic.twitter.com/9hHwfudiPP
— Onlinemagazin (@OnlineMagazin) June 11, 2016
One of the nationalists was charged under a 1947 law that prohibits denial of Holocaust and Nazi crimes, police said. Seven rival demonstrators were also arrested for hurling stones and bottles at the opposing camp.
Police had to intervene several times during the march to break up fights. Officers resorted to pepper sprays to stave off the rowdy mob.
Anyone in Vienna should probably stay inside, there is a protest between right and left wing groups about refugees. Stay safe everyone.
— Neil VoPham (@phatboieatcake) June 11, 2016
The "identitarian" movement puts emphasis on the idea of national identity as opposed to globalization and multiculturalism. Many of its supporters belong to radical right-wing circles.
