A roundup of the latest news on Thursday

Teenage suspects to stand trial over alleged terror plot at Vienna Pride

Three young men are set to face trial in St. Pölten over an alleged Islamic State-inspired plot to carry out an attack on Vienna’s 2023 Rainbow Parade, as reported by Kurier. 

The suspects, aged between 14 and 18 at the time, are accused of planning a violent assault, sharing bomb-making instructions, and attempting to procure weapons and a machete from the Czech border area.

All three were arrested near the event on June 17th last year. Although they deny the charges, evidence found on their devices reportedly includes videos glorifying jihad and discussions about violent acts. Prosecutors believe they were affiliated with the Afghan branch of the Islamic State. Defence lawyers have questioned whether the indictment sufficiently proves a concrete attack plan.

Youth more likely to express anti-Semitic views, study finds

Anti-Semitic attitudes are becoming more prevalent among younger generations in Austria, particularly when it comes to Israel-related issues, according to a new study by IFES commissioned by Parliament and reported by ORF. 

Around 15 percent of under-25s agreed with statements suggesting that reports on Nazi concentration camps were exaggerated – a view researchers described as a clear trivialisation of National Socialism.

The study also found higher levels of anti-Semitism among people with Turkish or Arabic backgrounds, those with patriarchal beliefs, and – surprisingly – even among some with university degrees. National Council President Walter Rosenkranz (FPÖ) acknowledged the findings as a wake-up call for Austria’s education system.

Viennese man arrested after shouting Nazi slogan during police callout

Police in Vienna-Ottakring arrested a 58-year-old Austrian man late Tuesday night after he shouted “Heil Hitler” during a noise disturbance investigation, as reported by Vienna.at. 

Officers had been called to the man’s building by neighbours complaining about loud music.

When police requested he reduce the volume, the visibly intoxicated man (with a reported blood alcohol level over 1.5 per mille) shouted the banned slogan and slammed his door shut. He was taken into custody and charged under Austria’s Prohibition Act, which criminalises Nazi glorification.

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Roman mass grave in Simmering may rewrite Vienna’s history

Archaeologists have unearthed a mass grave of around 150 Roman soldiers in Vienna’s Simmering district, shedding new light on battles that may have led to the expansion of the Vindobona military camp, according to ORF. 

The soldiers, all men aged 20–30, showed signs of violent deaths with weapons including daggers and spears – ruling out disease or hospital deaths.

The grave is the first direct physical evidence of fighting on the Danube Limes, a historically significant Roman frontier. The discovery, made during sports field renovations in October, will now be the subject of international research, including DNA analysis to uncover more about the soldiers’ origins.

SCS introduces parking fees to target commuter overflow

Austria’s largest shopping centre, Shopping City Süd (SCS), will begin charging for outdoor parking beyond four hours starting April 14th in a bid to discourage long-term parkers, particularly commuters using the nearby Badner Bahn to travel into Vienna, Kurier reported.

Visitors will have their license plates recorded automatically upon entry. 

After four hours, parking will cost €2.50 per additional hour. Cinema-goers and club members will benefit from extended or discounted time, while staff, pensioners, and people with disabilities will continue to park for free in designated areas. Violators risk an €80 fine.

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