After Round Table: Police Apologize After Peršmanhof Operation

"I apologized because the family is personally affected," said the Deputy State Police Director, Markus Plazer, after the round table on the Peršmanhof operation to journalists: This is not an admission of guilt. Whether the operation was correct and appropriate will be evaluated. There had been reports that there was an illegal Antifa camp there. Because it involved Antifa, state security was involved. "We are always obliged to intervene when violations occur."

Quick Clarification on Peršmanhof Operation Demanded

Sadovnik said after the meeting that he wished for a quick and rapid clarification by the Ministry of the Interior. At the round table, he asked questions that need to be addressed by the commission. He supports legal protection of memorial sites "from such attacks." A lot can be achieved if one proceeds sensitively here. "That doesn't have to be. That should not be in the future." Such events should not be repeated. Sadovnik also emphasized that as mayor, he has always worked well with the police, which is why clarification is so important to him. "There should never be a blanket condemnation of the Austrian executive." Conversely, Sadovnik expressed his dismay at the reactions an antifascist camp apparently triggers, as antifascism should be a fundamental attitude in the republic.

After Peršmanhof Operation: Governor Kaiser Demands Consequences

After the round table, which was also attended by representatives of the district administration, Governor Peter Kaiser (SPÖ) initially appeared alone in the Hall of Mirrors of the state government before the press. Kaiser announced that a law to protect memorial sites should be examined. The constitutional department will be involved. The governor reported efforts to calm the situation, such as a phone call with Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon. Kaiser: "I know that many people are extremely affected by this approach. I want to address the young people who may have received a distorted image: Trust the republic, trust democracy! Sometimes things happen that one does not wish for." The association that operates the museum at Peršmanhof declined the invitation to the round table, sitting with representatives of the authorities is currently unacceptable. Kaiser: "I acknowledge that, but I regret it." The governor hopes for a quick, comprehensive clarification by a commission in the Ministry of the Interior. Then, where responsibility lies, consequences must be drawn.

Four-Hour Peršmanhof Operation Caused Much Criticism

The four-hour operation at Peršmanhof caused a stir on Sunday. Three police patrols, officers from the State Office for the Protection of the Constitution and Counterterrorism (LSE), the Federal Office for Immigration and Asylum (BFA), and the District Authority of Völkermarkt were dispatched to the remote farm, which houses a memorial. The reason was likely reports or anonymous tips, possibly due to illegally erected tents during the camp. The situation on site escalated around refused identity checks, which is why three officers from the Rapid Intervention Group (SIG), a service dog handler, and a police helicopter were requested. 62 administrative offenses and two resistances against state authority were reported, 32 identity checks and two personal searches were conducted.

The police were sharply criticized for the operation, particularly by the Carinthian Slovenes. Not only was the operation considered excessive due to alleged violations of the nature conservation law, but it was also deemed inappropriate given the historically significant location. Almost exactly 80 years ago, on April 25, 1945, parts of a special unit of the I. Battalion of the SS Police Regiment 13 committed a massacre of eleven civilians at Peršmanhof. The Ministry of the Interior has announced a comprehensive review of the police operation from Sunday, which has been demanded by numerous parties - both from politics and memorial associations.

Federal Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP) said at a media event in Klagenfurt on Wednesday, in response to a question, that a police operation at a memorial site always requires special sensitivity: "It is good that the events are being investigated and that this investigation is conducted transparently." Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen also emphasized that the incidents must be clarified quickly. He stated on X that he had spoken on Wednesday with Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar, Governor Kaiser, and Interior Minister Gerhard Karner (ÖVP): "We agree that at such a sensitive place as this memorial, special consideration and the greatest possible sensitivity are required - from all parties involved, especially the security authorities." Meanwhile, the political parties reiterated their views on the incident in statements, as they had in the previous days. Representatives of the Croatian ethnic group also expressed their irritation about the police operation and are demanding clarification.

Suspicion of Abuse of Office after Peršmanhof Operation

Klagenfurt lawyer Rudolf Vouk, who was called in for the participants and organizers during the operation, identifies a case of abuse of office and has prepared a complaint. He says the police were intent on escalating and provoking a conflict. The operation leader emphasized that extremists were hiding under the "guise" of Antifa, Vouk told the APA. He also criticizes the mediation attempt by the governor, as the affected parties of the Antifa camp were not invited. At the Klagenfurt public prosecutor's office, no investigation procedure is pending in the Peršmanhof case.

(APA/Red)

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